ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Human Milk Oligosaccharides Are Associated With Maternal Genetics And Respiratory Health Of Human Milk-Fed Children.

Breastfeeding provides many health benefits, but its impact on respiratory health remains unclear. This study addresses the complex and dynamic nature of the mother-milk-infant triad by investigating maternal genomic factors regulating human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), and their associations with respiratory health among human milk-fed infants. Nineteen HMOs are quan tified from 980 mothers of the CHILD Cohort Study. Genome-wide association studies identify HMO-associated loci on chromosome 19p13.3 and 19q13.33 (lowest P = 2.4e–118), spanning several fucosyltransferase (FUT) genes. We identify novel associations on chromosome 3q27.3 for 6′-sialyllactose (P = 2.2e–9) in the sialyltransferase (ST6GAL1) gene. These, plus additional associations on chromosomes 7q21.32, 7q31.32 and 13q33.3, are replicated in the independent INSPIRE Cohort. Moreover, gene-environment interaction analyses suggest that fucosylated HMOs may modulate overall risk of recur rent wheeze among preschoolers with variable genetic risk scores (P < 0.01). Thus, we report novel genetic factors associated with HMOs, some of which may protect the respiratory health of children.

Source: UG
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination In A Privately Funded Program In Ghana: A Qualitative Case Study.

HPV vaccination is one of the safest and most effective interventions against HPV-related cancers. From 2013 to 2018, HPV vaccination was piloted in Ghana in preparation for a national program. Yet, at the time of this study, there was no publicly funded HPV vaccination program in Ghana. We explored an existing privately funded HPV vaccination program in Ghana to identify challenges and gaps and to gather insights to inform vaccination practice and national policy. This study used a qualitative case study research design. We conducted semi-structured interviews on experiences, barriers, and challenges in HPV vaccination at the Greater-Accra Regional Hospital between October 1 and November 26, 2023. Participants (N = 16) included HPV vaccinators (n = 8) and program/policy leaders (n = 8). Our thematic analysis focused on HPV vaccination processes, practice challenges, and policy interests. Four main themes emerged from our analyses. Our findings revealed many challenges faced by the HPV vaccination program. These include a lack of guiding policy/framework for the HPV vaccination program, an emphasis on sexual history, cervical screening, and HPV DNA test in determining vaccination eligibility by vacci nators, and a lack of formal provider and recipient HPV education programs. Although many vaccinators advocated for a universal HPV program, some policy/program leaders were reluctant to prioritize HPV vaccination advocacy due to their focus on acute health concerns. A vaccination program without a policy can be limited in quality and efficiency, as there will be no accountability and sustainability measures. We recommend the need to develop standardized guidelines to support evidence-based HPV vaccination practice.

Source: UG
Human papillomavirus genotype distribution among women with and without cervical cancer: Implication for vaccination and screening in Ghana

Introduction Determining the high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) genotypes burden in women with and without cervical cancer afford a direct comparison of their relative distributions. This quest is fundamental to implementing a future population-based cervical cancer prevention strategy in Ghana. We estimated the cervical cancer risk by HPV genotypes, and the HPV vaccine-preventable proportion of cervical cancer diagnosed in Ghana. Materials and methods An unmatched case-control study was conducted at the two largest cervical cancer treatment centres in Ghana from 1st October 2014 to 31st May 2015. Cases were women diagnosed with cervical cancer and controls were women without cervical cancer who were seeking care at the two hospitals. Nested multiplex polymerase chain reaction (NM-PCR) was used to detect HPV infection in cervical samples. Logistic regression was used to determine the association between the risk of cervical cancer and identified HPV infection. P 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results HPV deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) data were analysed for 177 women with cervical cancer (cases) and 201 without cancer (controls). Cervical cancer was diagnosed at older ages compared to the age at which controls were recruited (median ages, 57 years vs 34 years; p < 0.001). Most women with cervical cancer were more likely to be single with no formal education, unemployed and less likely to live in metropolitan areas compared to women without cervical cancer (all p-value <0.001). HPV DNA was detected in more women with cervical cancer compared to those without cervical cancer (84.8% vs 45.8%). HR-HPV genotypes 16, 18, 45, 35 and 52 were the most common among women with cervical cancer, while 66, 52, 35, 43 and 31 were frequently detected in those without cancer. HPV 66 and 35 were the most dominant non-vaccine genotypes; HPV 66 was more prevalent among women with cervical cancer and HPV 35 in those without cervical cancer. Cervical cancer risk was asso ciated with a positive HPV test (Adjusted OR (AOR): 5.78; 95% CI: 2.92–11.42), infection with any of the HR-HPV genotypes (AOR: 5.56; 95% CI: 3.27–13.16) or multiple HPV infections (AOR: 9.57 95% CI 4.06–22.56). Conclusion Women with cervical cancer in Ghana have HPV infection with multiple genotypes, including some non-vaccine genotypes, with an estimated cervical cancer risk of about six- to ten-fold in the presence of a positive HPV test. HPV DNA tests and multivalent vaccine targeted at HPV 16, 18, 45 and 35 genotypes will be essential in Ghana’s cervical cancer control programme. Large population-based studies are required in countries where cervical cancer is most prevalent to determine non-vaccine HPV genotypes which should be considered for the next-generation HPV vaccines.

Source: UG
Human papillomavirus genotypes in a subset of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma originating from the oral cavity, lip, larynx and pharynx are grouped under head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). OBJECTIVE: To report on human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes involved in HNSCC. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review of archival HNSCC specimens and patient demographic and clinical data accessioned between January, 2007 and December, 2009 in the Department of Pathology, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana. RESULTS: Cases from 58 males and 20 females included 29 from the oral cavity, 33 from the larynx, 11 from the pharynx and 5 from the parotid gland. HPV DNA was found in 15 (19.23%) of the tumors with 12 being HPV-16, 2 HPV-18 and 1 dual infection with HPV-16 and HPV-18, giving HPV-16 prevalence of 86.7%. Higher prevalence of HPV DNA was found in males than females. There was a trend towards subjects younger than 58 years being more likely to have HPV-positive tumors.The 15 HPV-positive cases were distributed in location as 8 of 33 (24.2%) from the larynx, 4 of 29 (13.8%) from the oral cavity, and 2 of 11 (18.2%) from the pharynx and 1 of 5 (20%) from the parotid gland. CONCLUSION: Oncogenic HPV infection was found in 19.23% of HNSCCs, with genotype 16 predominating. HPV-related HNSCC tended to occur at younger age compared to non-HPV-related HNSCC. The commonest site for HPV-associated HNSSC in Ghana is the larynx, rather than the oropharynx as reported in other studies. Host factors may be responsible for the site difference and more work is required to further elucidate this.

Source: UG
Human pegivirus (HPgV) infection in Ghanaians co-infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV)

Human pegivirus (HPgV) is a positive single-stranded RNA virus in the Flaviviridae family. Phylogenetic analysis reveals the presence of multiple HPgV genotypes with distinct geographic locations. HPgV is of interest because of its potential beneficial impact on HIV disease progression. Despite this, the effects of HPgV in the context of other viral infections, such as hepatitis B virus (HBV), are poorly understood, and data from resource-limited settings are scarce. Therefore, we conducted a cross-sectional analysis of HPgV in HIV/HBV co-infected patients in Ghana. Sera from 100 HIV/HBV co-infected individuals were evaluated for HPgV RNA, and the genotype determined by sequencing the 5′ untranslated region. HPgV RNA was detected in 27 samples (27%). Of these, 26 were genotyped successfully with 23 belonging to HPgV genotype 1 and 3 belonging to HPgV genotype 2. The presence of HPgV RNA had no statistically significant impact on CD4 cell count or HBV DNA titers in the HIV/HBV co-infected patients. However, there was a trend towards decreased HBV DNA levels in HPgV RNA-positive patients with CD4 cell count < 200 (p = 0.0626). HPgV co-infection is common in Ghana. The effect of HPgV on HIV or HBV disease among HIV/HBV co-infected patients was minimal. However, decreased HBV DNA levels in HPgV RNA-positive patients with low CD4 cell counts highlight the need for prospective studies of HPgV in HIV and hepatitis co-infected patients, especially in those with advanced HIV disease, to study further the effects of HPgV on liver disease. © 2018, Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.

Source: UG
Human pentastomiasis: A case report

We report a case of human pentastomiasis in a 55-year-old farmer whose diagnosis was made incidentally during laparotomy on account of a mechanical small intestinal obstruction caused by adhesions. Encysted parasites and degenerative granulomas were found in the omentum and in the subserosal layer of the small intestine. These parasites were diagnosed as Armillifer armillatus larvae. The patient made an uneventful recovery after the operation and was discharged. He is being followed up.

Source: UG
Human plasma membrane-derived vesicles halt proliferation and induce differentiation of THP-1 acute monocytic leukemia cells.

Plasma membrane-derived vesicles (PMVs) are small intact vesicles released from the cell surface that play a role in intercellular communication. We have examined the role of PMVs in the terminal differentiation of monocytes. The myeloid-differentiating agents all-trans retinoic acid/PMA and histamine, the inflammatory mediator that inhibits promonocyte proliferation, induced an intracellular Ca2+-mediated PMV (as opposed to exosome) release from THP-1 promonocytes. These PMVs cause THP-1 cells to enter G0–G1 cell cycle arrest and induce terminal monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation. Use of the TGF-β receptor antagonist SB-431542 and anti–TGF-β1 Ab showed that this was due to TGF-β1 carried on PMVs. Although TGF-β1 levels have been shown to increase in cell culture supernatants during macrophage differentiation and dendritic cell maturation, the presence of TGF-β1 in PMVs is yet to be reported. In this study, to our knowledge we show for the first time that TGF-β1 is carried on the surface of PMVs, and we confirm the presence within PMVs of certain leaderless proteins, with reported roles in myeloid cell differentiation. Our in vitro findings support a model in which TGF-β1–bearing PMVs, released from promonocytic leukemia cells (THP-1) or primary peripheral blood monocytes on exposure to sublytic complement or after treatment with a differentiation therapy agent, such as all-trans retinoic acid, significantly reduce proliferation of THP-1 cells. Such PMVs also induce the terminal differentiation of primary peripheral blood monocytes as well as THP-1 monocytes.

Source: UG
Human plasma membrane-derived vesicles inhibit the phagocytosis of apoptotic cells - possible role in SLE.

Plasma membrane-derived vesicles (PMVs) also known as microparticles, are small membrane-bound vesicles released from the cell membrane via blebbing and shedding. PMVs have been linked with various physiological functions as well as pathological conditions such as inflammation, autoimmune disease and cardiovascular disease. PMVs are characterised by the expression of phosphatidylserine (PS) on the plasma membrane. PS, also expressed on apoptotic cells (ACs) enables macrophages to phagocytose ACs. As it is widely known that PMV production is increased during apoptosis, we were able to show that PMVs could compete dose dependently with ACs for the PS receptor on macrophages, so reducing phagocytosis of ACs. In a clinical setting this may result in secondary necrosis and further pathological conditions. In SLE in which there are raised PMV levels, there is an anti-phospholipid-mediated increase in PMV release, which can be abrogated by depletion of IgG. Our work provides an insight into how PMVs may play a role in the aetiology of autoimmune disease, in particular SLE.

Source: UG
Human pregnancy-associated malaria-specific B cells target polymorphic, conformational epitopes in VAR2CSA

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

Source: UG
Human related bird flushes are of little consequence to wintering waterbirds in a tropical coastal wetland in Ghana

To a large extent the wintering period of Palearctic migrant waterbirds in coastal W Africa overlaps with the peak period of wetland resource use by humans. Several studies have identified this overlap as having a negative impact on birds in the form of direct and indirect competitions for food resources. But an aspect of the relationship between birds and humans that has not yet been studied in detail in W Africa is direct disturbance causing birds to flush (i.e. to take flight). In this study, we investigated the nature and pattern of bird flushes between 08h00 and 16h00 GMT at Sakumo II Lagoon, a coastal Ramsar site in Ghana located in a rapidly expanding urban area that makes it particularly vulnerable to human disturbance. The results show that fishing activities resulted in the largest number of bird flushes. Overall we recorded 0.6 flushes per hour and mean flight time was 61 seconds per flush; therefore on average the birds spent 36 seconds per hour in flight as a result of being flushed. Total time spent in flight as a result of being flushed constituted only 1% of the 96 hours of our observations between 08h00 and 16h00, but the impact of flushing over each 24-h day must be much smaller as few people are present in the evening or night. Although the severity of the impact on birds of being flushed depends on whether they are hard-pressed for foraging time, direct human disturbance appears to be of little consequence to waterbird foraging activities at Sakumo II Lagoon and may be of low significance generally to their conservation in West African coastal wetlands. © 2013, International Wader Study Group. All rights reserved.

Source: UG
Human resource information system as a strategic tool in human resource management

The purpose of this research is to identify specifically, how the use of Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS) contributes to the effectiveness of strategic human resources management and to examine the strategic importance of using HRIS at the workplace. Relevant review of various HRIS literature were undertaken which culminated into the development of a conceptual model and the formulation of hypotheses to test the proposal that there is relationship between independent variables- HRIS- and the dependent variables- Cost and Time Savings (CTS), Decision Making Contribution (DMC), Quality Information Effects (QIE) and Employment Development Commitment (EDC). The research uses data generated from 34 respondents from insurance companies in Ghana: SSNIT, ELAC, Vanguard, and Donewell. Data was analyzed using SPSS software. It has been found that HRIS adoption and use have a strong and positive effect on CTS and DMC. Essentially, organizations that divert concerted efforts towards HRIS adoption and use have a high likelihood of cutting down cost and saving time, and also ensure better contributions to strategic decision making. Further findings suggest that insurance organizations map up a strategic plan before implementation goes underway. Financial and resource appraisal in relation to the ability to start and sustain HRIS use are critical. HRIS enables HR professionals and supervisors to manage complex information entities and to plan HR efficiently also, organisations that intend using HRIS should thoroughly educate its employees- not only HR staff- so that internal awareness can facilitate the acceptance of the system.

Source: UG
Human resource management in Ghana: Prescriptions and issues raised by the Fourth Republican constitution

Human resource management in the public sector does not take place in a vacuum. It is carried out within a regulatory framework of laws, rules and regulations. Recent times have witnessed commendable efforts by many African countries to embrace democratic governance with its trappings of constitutionalism, which requires that the behaviour of politicians, public officials, public institutions and citizens should conform to the strictures of the Constitution of the land. This study examines the Fourth Republican Constitution of Ghana and identifies constitutional provisions or prescriptions which have some relevance for human resource management in the Ghanaian public sector. Constitutional provisions identified in this regard deal with the following issues: human resource management policy, laws, rules and regulations, recruitment and selection, equal employment opportunity, employee rights and welfare, compensation and benefits, state of the economy, human resource development, work environment, Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), decentralisation and ethical issues. The paper discusses the relevance and implications of issues raised and concludes that the Fourth Republican Constitution contains important provisions which make for sound human resource management in the Ghanaian public sector.

Source: UG
Human resource mobilisation and management in health systems of Africa: a comparative study of health insurance scheme and health facilities in Ghana

This paper analyses the human resource mobilisation and management in the health systems of Africa. It compares five health organisations from public-private sectors in terms of how they mobilise and manage human resources in the implementation of Ghana's health insurance scheme. It adds to comparative research on HRM practices and organisational culture in a developing world context. It makes two unique contributions: from public-private organisational perspectives and employees/workers and clients perspectives on HR practices to improve workers skills/knowledge and meet clients' health needs. A multi-actor research methodology was adopted with in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, on-site direct observations and documents with a sample size of 107. The results reveal some ironies in public-private organisational behaviour, faith-based, profit-client oriented styles of HRM practices and how such factors affect clients' access to services. It found organisations with more bureaucracies/red tape and professionalism were the least preferred as clients experienced more waiting times.

Source: UG
Human resources capacity building in the developing world and mobilising excess capacity for export

A strategy among others for most successful organisations today has been to develop their human resource capacity. Although most companies in similar fields have access to the same technology and often same information, it’s the people within the organisation who make the difference in organisational performance. Having the right teams and capacity of expertise in place provide the foundation for an organisation’s competitive advantage and essential for capacity building. For the developing world to build human resource capacity fit to stand up to international scrutiny and to mobilise excess capacity for export a complete overhaul of institutional structures would be required.

Source: UG
Human rights and poverty reduction in Ghana: A rights based approach

The study examined how legal rules can be used to enforce human rights and constitutional principles in order to facilitate poverty reduction in Ghana. It also examined how human rights and poverty relate and the relevance of that relation to poverty reduction. In addition, the study examined the concepts of human rights and poverty as well as the rights based approach to poverty reduction. It is argued in the study that the objects of human rights are required to reduce poverty. The methodology used in the study was library based. It took the form of a review of relevant literature on poverty, human rights and the rights based approach to poverty reduction. It also took the form of a discussion of relevant provisions of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana and other legislation. The methodology also took the form of a discussion of selected cases decided by the Supreme Court of Ghana. The conclusion from the study is that is a link between poverty and human rights. It has also been established that the legal enforcement of human rights and rights based principles can facilitate poverty reduction. The challenge, however, for the poor is the economic constraints they face that make it difficult for them to utilize avenues that exist for the vindication of their rights. It is therefore suggested that institutions like the Legal Aid Board and the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice should be sufficiently resourced as well as their mandate also ought to be amplified so as to enable them assist the poor and vulnerable in society assert their legal rights under the law.

Source: UG
A Human Rights Perspective on the Rights of Children on the Streets of Ghana

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, 1989, stressed the need to safeguard and uphold the rights of children across the world. Ghana as one of the first countries to ratify the convention codified it with the passage of the Children’s Act, 1998. Three decades after the domestication of this treaty, the prevalence of child streetism in Ghana is very startling. Using primary and secondary sources of data and based on the Compliance Theory with international law, this study sought to examine the phenomenon of street children in Ghana and the role of stakeholders in alleviating their plight. The study design used was qualitative methods and the data collected was obtained through semi-structured interviews and purposive sampling of expert opinions. The study focused on identifying the role of stakeholders in promoting the rights of children. It also sought to examine the policies and practices that have been implemented to protect the rights of street children; to evaluate their implementation and compliance to the treaties and policies Ghana has entered into to curb the issue of child streetism; and to make recommendations on how children on the streets of Ghana can be better protected. The study found that Ghana has a plurality of laws, policies and programmes towards child protection however, their implementation is hindered by the government’s inability to prioritize issues like streetism. That notwithstanding, the inter-governmental organizations and non-governmental organizations are making significant progress on the phenomenon of streetism. The study concluded that addressing the phenomenon of child streetism in Ghana would require more than the ratification of treaties, the creation of laws, and setting up of policies. Rather, government should strictly enforce the laws enacted and prioritize the issue of child streetism.

Source: UG