ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Activating mutation of the renal epithelial chloride channel ClC-Kb, predisposing to hypertension

The chloride channel ClC-Kb is expressed in the basolateral cell membrane of the distal nephron and participates in renal NaCl reabsorption. Loss-of-function mutations of ClC-Kb lead to classic Bartter syndrome, a rare salt-wasting disorder. Recently, we identified the ClC-KbT481S polymorphism, which confers a strong gain-of-function effect on the ClC-kb chloride channel. The present study has been performed to explore the prevalence of the mutation and its functional significance in renal salt handling and blood pressure regulation. As evident from electrophysiological analysis with the 2-electrode voltage-clamp technique, heterologous expression of ClC-KbT481S in Xenopus oocytes gave rise to a current that was 7-fold larger than the current produced by wild-type ClC-Kb. The prevalence of the mutant allele was significantly higher in an African population from Ghana (22%) than in whites (12%). As tested in 1 white population, carriers of ClC-KbT481S were associated with significantly higher systolic (by ≈124 6.0 mm Hg) and diastolic (by ≈4.2 mm Hg) blood pressures and significantly higher prevalence (45% versus 25%) of hypertensive (≤140/90 mm Hg) blood pressure levels. Individuals carrying ClC-KbT481S had significantly higher plasma Na+ concentrations and significantly decreased glomerular filtration rate. In conclusion, the mutation ClC-Kb T481S of the renal epithelial Cl- channel ClC-Kb strongly activates ClC-Kb chloride channel function in vitro and may predispose to the development of essential hypertension in vivo.

Source: UG
Activation of renal CSE/H2S pathway by alpha-lipoic acid protects against histological and functional changes in the diabetic kidney

Introduction: We previously reported that alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) supplementation protects against progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). In this study, we aim to investigate whether the mechanism of renal protection by ALA involves renal cystathionine γ-lyase/hydrogen sulfide (CSE/H2S) system in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: Thirty-seven male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent 12 h of overnight fasting. To induce T2DM, 30 of these rats received intraperitoneal administration of nicotinamide (110 mg/kg) and streptozotocin (55 mg/kg). T2DM rats then received either oral administration of ALA (60 mg/kg/day) or intraperitoneal administration of 40 mg/kg/day DL-propargylglycine (PAG, a CSE inhibitor) or both for 6 weeks after which rats were sacrificed and samples collected for analysis. Untreated diabetic and non-diabetic rats served as diabetic and healthy controls respectively. Results: T2DM was characterized by reduced pancreatic β-cell function and hyperglycemia. Histologically, untreated diabetic rats showed significantly damaged pancreatic islets, glomerular and tubular injury, with elevated levels of renal function markers compared to healthy control rats (p < 0.001). These pathological changes worsened significantly following PAG administration (p < 0.05). While some renal protection was observed in ALA+PAG rats, ALA administration in untreated diabetic rats provided superior protection comparable to healthy control rats, with improved antioxidant status, lipid profile and reduced inflammation. Mechanistically, ALA significantly activated renal CSE/H2S system in diabetic rats, which was markedly sup pressed in PAG-treated rats (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our data suggest that ALA protects against DKD development and progression by activating renal CSE/H2S pathway. Hence, CSE/H2S pathway may represent a therapeutic target in the treatment or prevention of DKD in diabetic patients.

Source: UG
Activity of herbal medicines on Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes: Implications for Malaria transmission in Ghana

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
Activity theory analysis of the virtualisation of teaching and teaching environment in a developing country university

This study aims to understand how a developing country higher education institution (HEI) attempted to digitalise teaching. The Internet has disrupted the traditional teaching environment and teaching practices leading to the migration from physical face-to-face teaching to online teaching changing the work environment of the teacher. Information systems literature has examined the academic environment of HEIs from student’s perspective in a virtual learning environment but not from the instructor’s perspective in a teaching work environment. How the teaching work environment can be virtualised has not also been widely explored. Using activity theory and an interpretive case study approach data was obtained from interviews, documents and participant observation. Using hermeneutics as the mode of analysis the findings reveal how tools: an open source technology and rules are modified through the resolution of contradictions to suit developing country context of the HEI. The study provides practitioners insights on how emerging contradictions in tools, implementers and rules in a teaching work environment virtualisation can be used as an avenue for development. It also offers insight into how HEIs can migrate their physical teaching environment to online.

Source: UG
Actor roles and linkages in the agricultural innovation system: options for establishing a cocoa innovation platform in Ghana

Innovation platforms promote interactions among actors in an innovation system. Given the importance of the cocoa sub-sector to the Ghanaian economy, having an innovation platform is imperative for increasing innovative performance. Using qualitative data collection tools we obtained in-depth information on the roles and linkages of actors to provide options for the establishment/strengthening of the cocoa innovation platform in Ghana. Findings from the thematic and social network analysis suggest that stimulating the participation of farmer groups, actors in research, extension, policy, and the private sector is important as they have the power to attract and sustain relevant actors to the network and hold the structure of the cocoa innovation platform together. The study contributes to the literature by being the first study that has applied the SNA tool to the cocoa innovation system in Ghana and also by emphasizing the prominent role farmers and private sector actors play in such networks.

Source: UG
Actor-network analysis of community based organisations in health pandemics: evidence from the COVID-19 response in Freetown, Sierra Leone

Freetown, Sierra Leone, is confronted with health risks that are compounded by rapid, unplanned urbanisation and weak capacities of local government institutions. Addressing them implies a shared responsibility between government and non-state actors. In low-income areas, the role of community-based organisations (CBOs) in combating health disasters is well-recognised. Yet, empirical evidence on how they have utilised their networks and coordinated community-level strategies in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic is scant. This paper, based on a qualitative study in two informal settlements in Freetown employs actor-network theory to understand how CBOs problematize COVID-19 as a health risk, interact with other entities, and the subsequent tensions that arise. The findings show that community vulnerabilities and past experiences of health disasters informed CBOs’ perception of COVID-19 as a communal emergency. In response, they coordinated sensitisation and mobilisation programmes by relying on a network of actors to support COVID-19 risk reduction strategies. Nonetheless, misunderstandings among them caused friction.

Source: UG
Actors, bricolage, and translation in education policy: a case study from Ghana

Due to the centrality of education to economic growth and social development, successful governments in post-colonial Ghana have implemented policies to improve the quality of education in the country. In line with this, Ghana embarked on its first major education reform under the Provisional National Defense Council (PNDC) government. While several studies have been conducted to explain this, reform, these studies have largely been descriptive and theoretically have over relied on the conditionality thesis. Our study draws on ideational literature and research interviews to offer an alternative explanation of the reform. Drawing extensively on the ideational concepts of bricolage and translation, focusing on the actors using these two mechanisms, the study argues that, while exogenous forces did impact the reform, but they were mainly driven by endogenous factors featuring both path-dependent and departure-dependent changes.

Source: UG
Actors, networks and assemblages: local content, corruption and the politics of SME’s participation in Ghana’s oil and gas industry

Local content policies are relevant policy tools that can ensure that natural resource extraction leads to the social and economic development of countries through local participation. With a focus on Ghana’s local content policy and small and medium-scale enterprises (SME)’s participation, this article highlights the complexities pertaining to the role of natural resource extraction in African economies. This work further reiterates the need to focus on actors, networks and assemblages, and the interrelation between social, material and ideational elements to better understand local participation in the extractive industries. The heterogeneous relations between actors and their constant reconfiguration creates a condition for bifurcated SME’s participation in Ghana’s oil and gas industry.

Source: UG
Actualizing the affordances of seaport smart container terminal system in a developing country

Transportation by sea routes and seaport container terminals are critical infrastructure that facilitates global trade. Thus, the emerging information systems research on smart container systems is essential. However, these studies lack empirical insights, and there is little on developing country contexts. To address these knowledge gaps, this study employs qualitative interpretive case study approach and technology affordance and constraint theory to investigate how Ghana’s port authority replaced a predominantly paper-based container handling system with smart systems, as well as the consequences of doing so. The study’s findings show that technology affordances are actualized in a developing country seaport smart container system based on management’s perception of the system and the port’s situational context. The study’s findings show significant improvements over the manual paper processes, along with constraints including stakeholder digital unpreparedness, limited data storage capacity, unreliable internet and power supply disruptions, and equipment breakdowns. The findings have implications for research, practice, and policy.

Source: UG
An Acute And Sub-Acute Toxicological Assessment Of Reissantia Indica Plant Extract In Male Sprague-Dawley Rats: Hematological, Serum Biochemical And Histopathology

The traditional use of medicinal plants in sub-Saharan health management lacks thorough toxicological evaluations, particularly concerning lethal dose levels. This study aims to assess the acute and sub-acute toxicity of Reissantia indica whole-plant extract (RIE) in male Sprague-Dawley rats, with a focal point on delineating its safety profile while exploring potential therapeutic applications. RIE, obtained through precise cold maceration in 70 % ethanol, underwent rigorous analysis. revealing diverse secondary metabolites, including alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and glycosides. Renowned for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties, these compounds enhance RIE’s pharmacological potential. In the acute toxicity study, RIE was orally administered at 500 and 5000 mg/kg. Sub-acute toxicity involved oral administration of the extract at various doses (5, 50 and 500 mg/kg) over 28 days, with comprehensive assessments, including hematological, biochemical, and histopathological evaluations. Results from the acute toxicity showed no mortality, suggesting a median lethal dose (LD50) exceeding 5000 mg/kg and indicating a substantial margin of safety. Sub-acute toxicity investigations spanning 28 days revealed no significant changes in body and organ weights, hematological and biochemical parameters, or histopathological signs compared to the control group. Histological examination of kidney, liver, heart, and lung sections from treated animals showed no signs of degeneration.

Source: UG
Acute and sub-chronic toxicity studies of aqueous extract of root bark of Cassia Sieberiana D.C. in rodents

Acute and sub-chronic toxicity studies of the aqueous extract of the root bark of C. sieberiana (Caesalpiniaceae), a plant used locally in Ghana for the treatment of pain, was carried out in rodents. In the acute study, a single oral dose (5000 mg/kg) of the aqueous extract of C. sieberiana (NPK) was administered to six rats and six mice, and observed for 14 days for signs of acute toxicity. In the sub-chronic study, rats were administered with NPK (15- 750 mg/kg) daily for three months. Urinalysis, haematological and biochemical analyses were carried out on urine, blood and serum samples collected at the end of the three-month treatment. Histological analyses of the liver, heart, kidney and lung tissues were also done. The results showed that administration of 5000 mg/kg of NPK to animals did not result in death. There were no significant differences (p&gt;0.05) between control and test animals in the haematological assay. The albumin, alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin were higher (p&lt;0.05) in test animals compared to the controls. Liver micrographs showed centrilobular necrosis at the dose of 750 mg/kg. The findings, therefore, show that the oral toxicity of NPK in rodents is low (oral LD50 &gt; 5000 mg/kg). However, the extract may have deleterious effects on the liver at high doses on prolonged administration. © 2014 Kofi Donkor et al.

Source: UG
Acute and subchronic evaluation of indigofera arrecta: Absence of both toxicity and modulation of selected cytochrome P450 isozymes in ddY mice

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
Acute appendicitis and dietary fibre intake.

It has been postulated that acute appendicitis is the first serious disease to emerge with the adoption of fibre-depleted diets. The incidence of acute appendicitis is rising in Africa and this has been attributed to socio-economic advancement and the adoption of low residue diets. The aim of this study was to determine whether income levels and the level of dietary fibre intake play any role in the rising incidence of acute appendicitis in Ghana. Between June and November 1997 patients aged 13 years and above with acute appendicitis were studied. Their monthly net income levels or those of their parents if they were minors were ascertained and a dietary fibre questionnaire completed on each patient in order to assess his or her dietary fibre intake. The clinical details of each patient were recorded on a proforma. One hundred and seventy-three patients, 128 males and 45 females, mean age 29.2 (range 13-75) years were studied. 14 percent presented within 6 h, 46.8 percent within 24 h and 41.6 percent after 2 or more days. 53.2 percent had acute appendicitis and 42.8 percent presented with complicated appendicitis. The appendix was normal in 4.0 percent. Two patients died (1.2 percent). 61.3 percent of patients were low income earners and 38.7 percent were high income earners. The overall dietary fibre intake was 39.4 g per day with no significant difference in fibre consumption between low income earners (39.0 g/day) and high income earners (43.5 g/day). We conclude that dietary fibre may not be the important factor in acute appendicitis and other luminal and/or morphological factors may be predisposing factors.

Source: UG
Acute hyperthermia and hypoxia tolerance of two improved strains of nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Tilapia production in Ghana has been hit with episodes of stress and pathogen-induced mass fsh kills which have anecdotally been linked to the culture of illegally imported Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT) strains of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. This study was thus set up to comprehensively assess the stress tolerance of the GIFT strain and a native strain of Nile tilapia (the Akosombo strain) following exposures to hyperthermic and hypoxic stressors. In a series of experiments, oxygen consumption (MO2), aquatic surface respiration (ASR), thermal limits and hypoxia tolerance were assessed. The efects of these stressors on haematological parameters were also assessed. The GIFT strain was less tolerant of hypoxia and performed ASR at higher O2 levels than the Akosombo strain. Under progressive hypoxia, the GIFT strain exhibited higher gill ventilations frequencies (fV) than the Akosombo strain. The thermal tolerance trial indicated that the Akosombo strain of O. niloticus has higher thermotolerance than the GIFT strain and this was refective in the higher LT50 (45.1℃) and LTmax (48℃), compared to LT50 and LTmax of 41.5℃ and 46℃ respectively. These results imply that it is crucial to consider how the GIFT strain performs under various envi‑ ronmental conditions and changes during culture. Particularly, raising the GIFT strain of Nile tilapia in earthen ponds rich in phytoplankton and subject to protracted episodes of extreme hypoxia may have a detrimental physiological impact on its growth and welfare.

Source: UG
Acute hyperthermia and hypoxia tolerance of two improved strains of nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Abstract Tilapia production in Ghana has been hit with episodes of stress and pathogen-induced mass fsh kills which have anecdotally been linked to the culture of illegally imported Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT) strains of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. This study was thus set up to comprehensively assess the stress tolerance of the GIFT strain and a native strain of Nile tilapia (the Akosombo strain) following exposures to hyperthermic and hypoxic stressors. In a series of experiments, oxygen consumption (MO2), aquatic surface respiration (ASR), thermal limits and hypoxia tolerance were assessed. The efects of these stressors on haematological parameters were also assessed. The GIFT strain was less tolerant of hypoxia and performed ASR at higher O2 levels than the Akosombo strain. Under progressive hypoxia, the GIFT strain exhibited higher gill ventilations frequencies (fV) than the Akosombo strain. The thermal tolerance trial indicated that the Akosombo strain of O. niloticus has higher thermotolerance than the GIFT strain and this was refective in the higher LT50 (45.1℃) and LTmax (48℃), compared to LT50 and LTmax of 41.5℃ and 46℃ respectively. These results imply that it is crucial to consider how the GIFT strain performs under various envi‑ ronmental conditions and changes during culture. Particularly, raising the GIFT strain of Nile tilapia in earthen ponds rich in phytoplankton and subject to protracted episodes of extreme hypoxia may have a detrimental physiological impact on its growth and welfare.

Source: UG
Acute infectious lymphocytosis.

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
Acute normovolaemic haemodilution for gynaecological surgery in Korle Bu Teachning Hospital: how feasible it is?

Transfusion of allogenic blood and blood products is associated with the risk of infections such as Hepatitis A, B and C and HIV/AIDS. To minimize these risks various forms of autologous blood transfusion techniques e.g. acute normovolaemic haemodilution (ANH), are increasingly being used. Seventy-four patients scheduled for hysterectomy or myomectomy were enrolled for the study after institutional and informed consent. One unit of blood was removed from the patients under anaesthesia and before surgery commenced. Blood volume replacement i.e. haemodilution was achieved with available crystalloids plus gelofusine or hydroxy ethyl starch (HES). Twenty-one patients had erythropoietin (EPO) therapy as part of their preparation. The mean age of the patients was 41.5 + 8.2 years and the mean preoperative haemoglobin and haematocrit were 12.4 + 1.0g/dl and 37.8% respectively. Mean post-haemodilution haemoglobin was 10.6 + 0.8g/dl with a haematocrit of 32.2 + 3.0g/dl. The mean postoperative haemoglobin was 10.7 + 1.0g/dl and the haematocrit 32.4 + 3.0%. Mean blood loss was 841 + 321ml with the bigger losses observed in those patients who had both hysterectomy and apronectomy. There were no untoward ECG or haemodynamic changes. It was concluded that acute ANH for gynaecological surgery is safe, simple and feasible to perform in this environment at minimal cost

Source: UG
Acute P. falciparum malaria induces a loss of CD28- T IFN-γ producing cells

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
Acute Phase Responses Vary Between Children of HbAS and HbAA Genotypes During Plasmodium falciparum Infection

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
Acute renal failure and dermal necrosis due to bee stings: Report of a case in a child

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