Faculty of Applied Science

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A 3′ UTR-derived non-coding RNA RibS increases expression of cfa and promotes biofilm formation of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi.
(2018) Zhao, X.; Liu, R.; Tang, H.; Osei-Adjei, G.; Xu, S.; Zhang, Y.; Huang, X.
Bacterial non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are widely studied and found to play important roles in regulating various cellular processes. Recently, many ncRNAs have been discovered to be transcribed or processed from 3' untranslated regions (3' UTRs). Here we reported a novel 3' UTR-derived ncRNA, RibS, which could influence biofilm formation of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (S. Typhi). RibS was confirmed to be a ∼700 nt processed product produced by RNase III-catalyzed cleavage from the 3' UTR of riboflavin synthase subunit alpha mRNA, RibE. Overexpression of RibS increased the expression of the cyclopropane fatty acid synthase gene, cfa, which was located at the antisense strand. Biofilm formation of S. Typhi was enhanced by overexpressing RibS both in the wild type strain and cfa deletion mutant. Deletion of cfa attenuated biofilm formation of S. Typhi, while complementation of cfa partly restored the phenotype. Moreover, overexpressing cfa enhanced the biofilm formation of S. Typhi. In summary, RibS has been identified as a novel ncRNA derived from the 3' UTR of RibE that promotes biofilm formation of S. Typhi, and it appears to do so, at least in part, by increasing the expression of cfa.
Acute kidney injury in pediatric patients with malaria: a prospective cross-sectional study in the shai-osudoku district of Ghana
(Research Gate, 2020) Ephraim, R. K.; Adoba, P.; Sakyi, S. A.; Aporeigah, J.; Fondjo, L. A.; Botchway, F. A.; Toboh, E.
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a highly fatal complication of malaria. We used the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) and Pediatric Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss, End-Stage Kidney Disease (pRIFLE) guidelines to assess AKI among children. One hundred children with Plasmodium falciparum malaria were recruited from the St. Andrew's Catholic Hospital. Admission and 48-h serum creatinine were estimated. Weight and height of the participants were measured, and AKI status determined with the KDIGO and pRIFLE guidelines. A questionnaire was used to collect the socio-demographic and clinical data of participants. Two percent and 5% of the participants had AKI according to the KDIGO and pRIFLE criteria, respectively. Per the KDIGO guidelines, 1% of the participants had Stage 2 and 1% also had Stage 3 AKI. Four percent had Stage 1 (risk) and 1% had Stage 2 (injury) AKI per the pRIFLE criteria. Participants with AKI were dehydrated, and neither had sepsis or on antibiotics when the KDIGO guideline was used. Participants who had AKI were dehydrated, with 80% having sepsis and 40% on antibiotics when the pRIFLE criteria were used. There was no association between the KDIGO and pRIFLE criteria with respect to AKI status of participants (k = -0.029, P = 0.743). Two percent and 5% of the study participants had AKI when the KDIGO and pRIFLE guidelines were used respectively. One percent of the participants had Stage 2 and 1% also had Stage 3 AKI per KDIGO; 4% had Stage 1 (risk) and 1% had Stage 2 (injury) AKI per the pRIFLE.
Adoption of Smart Grid in Ghana Using Pattern Recognition Neural Networks
(Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc., 2019) Abubakar, R.; Effah, E. K.; Frimpong, S. A.; Acakpovi, A.; Acheampong, P.; Kadambi, G. R.; Kumar, K. M. S.
Deployment of Smart Grid is neither a goal nor a destination, but rather an enabler to the provision of reliable, secured and clean electricity for the end-user or consumer. Overall Smart Grid vision is very well explained with the future of electricity systems, which largely depends on digitization and automation of the overall electricity value-chain, by enhancing electric power information to bi-directional flow and the provision of services that can support the operations of the generation, distribution and end-user usage of power can lead to improvement of electric power system efficiency. This work aims at analyzing factors and forecast effects on the adoption of Smart Grid in Ghana using Pattern Recognition Neural Net. The Primary data was collected using structured questionnaire and the questions were designed to test the perception of consumers on the deployment of Smart Grid. Also, the target group of respondents covered 80% of the regions in Ghana. Based on the collected data, the pattern recognition neural networks was employed in the analysis of data. Results indicated that education, government policy, cost and safety were the main drivers to the deployment of Smart Grid in Ghana. Other drivers like culture and societal perception recorded as insignificant variables to the deployment of distributed generation in Ghana. It is recommended that further research work should examine the extent of infrastructural preparedness of Ghana for the deployment of Smart Grid.
Analysis of clinical presentation, hematological factors, self-reported bed net usage, and malaria burden in sickle cell disease patients.
(2021) Harp, K. O.; Botchway, F.; Dei-Adomakoh, Y.; Wilson, M. D.; Mubasher, M.; Adjei, A. A.; Driss, A.
Background: Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a severe monogenic disorder, caused by single nucleotide mutations in the hemoglobin (Hb) gene, that is prevalent in malaria endemic regions of the world. Sickle cell trait (SCT) individuals carry only one of the mutated alleles and were shown to be protected against malaria. However, defining the relative contribution of hematological, clinical, and environmental factors to the overall burden of malaria in individuals with hemoglobinopathies such as SCA has been challenging. Methods: We hypothesized that hematological differences, clinical presentations, and self-reported bed net usage among Plasmodium-infected and uninfected individuals may govern overall malaria burden in individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD). We conducted a cross-sectional study in Ghana from 2014 to 2019 and described clinical presentations, hematological characteristics, and bed net use based on a comprehensive questionnaire. Hematological characteristics were compared using a parametric or nonparametric ANOVA, pending if data passed D’Agostino & Pearson normality test. When comparing only two Hb genotypes hematological characteristics a Mann Whitney U-test were used. Logistic regressions and Chi-squared tests were used to compare questionnaire responses between Hb genotypes. All statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Findings: Multiple hematological parameters were significantly (p < 0.05) altered depending on sickle cell genotype and/or malaria status. When compared to other Hb genotypes, SCA individuals with or without malaria had significantly (p < 0.05) higher WBC and platelets counts and lower Hb levels. While the sickle cell genotype may affect malaria severity, SCT and SCA participants were found to significantly (p < 0.007) use bet nets more than HbAA participants. Interpretations: Our findings can be utilized to enhance national guidelines for reducing the incidence of malaria especially among individuals with SCD, SCT protection and health disparities among hemoglobinopathies. Funding: This study was supported by the National Institute for Health
Analysis of Ghana’s imports and exports
(Journal of Economics and Financial Research, 2018) Mensah, A.C.; Okyere, E.
The long-run relationship between exports and imports has been the subject of intensive research in developed and developing economies. This relationship is of importance due to the fact that it reflects the stability of foreign trade situation of a country. The main objective of this paper is to study and investigate the long-run relationship between exports and imports in Ghana’s economy. A time series econometric techniques of unit root tests, Johansen cointegration and error-correction mechanism were applied. Annual data for real exports and real imports for the period 2002 – 2015 were used. The results of ADF unit root tests suggest that the two variables export and imports are integrated of order one. Johansen cointegration test revealed that, a long-run cointegrating relationship exist between exports and imports in Ghana. The error-correction model found a long-run unidirectional causality from imports to exports. This means that the short run fluctuations between exports and imports are sustainable since, in the long run, they will eventually converge towards an equilibrium state. The study confirms that Ghana is not in violation of its international budget constraints, and macroeconomic policies have been effective in bringing exports and imports into a long-run equilibrium.
Antibiotic prophylaxis and cloacal carriage of resistant zoonotic bacteria in commercially-bred poultry
(AJP, 2019) Arhin, R. E.; Hackman, H. K.; Sa-eed, A.
Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the use of antibiotic prophylactics in commercial poultry breeding and cloacal carriage of antibiotic-resistant zoonotic bacteria. Methodology: Biodata was collected on poultry from 11 selected farms. Cloacal swabs were collected from 10 birds from each farm for culture, isolation and biochemical identification of bacteria isolates. Antibiotic susceptibility of 96 Enterobacteriaceae and 24 Staphylococcus aureus isolates were determined by disk diffusion. Findings: Antibiotics prophylaxis administered to the birds were chloramphenicol (40/110), penicillin (20/110), doxycycline (20/110), gentamicin (10/110), neomycin (10/100) and a combination of chloramphenicol, ampicillin, penicillin and cloxacillin (10/100). These were administered either weekly (90/110), every 3 days (10/110) or monthly (10/100). Two hundred and fifty six (256) different bacteria isolates were recovered. These were Escherichia coli (31.6%), Staphylococcus aureus (14.5%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (12.1%), Proteus sp. (12.1%), Citrobacter sp. (9%), Proteus vulgaris (5.1%), Salmonella enterica (4.7%), Citrobacter koseri (4.3%), Klebsiella sp. (2.8%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (2.3%), Shigella sp. (2.3%), Enterobacter sp. (0.8%) and Klebsiella oxytoca (0.4%). Of 96 Enterobacteriaceae, 60 (63%) were multidrug resistant. Enterobacteriaceae were resistant to ampicillin (54%), tetracycline (52%), cotrimoxazole (54%), gentamicin (22%), cefuroxime (44%), vancomycin (19%), chloramphenicol (39%), ceftriaxone (29%), cefotaxime (71%), ciprofloxacicn (21%), amikacin (10%) and meropenem (23%). Of 24 Staphylococcus aureus, 17 (71%) were multidrug resistant. Staphylococcus aureus were resistant to ampicillin (89%), cotrimoxazole (59%), gentamicin (24%), vancomycin (67%), ciprofloxacin (18%), meropenem (33%), tetracycline (85%), cloxacillin (100%), penicillin (81%), erythromycin (71%), cefuroxime (43%) and augmentin (45%). Doxycycline-prophylaxis wasignificantly related (0.001) to tetracycline-nonsusceptible isolates but chloramphenicol-prophylaxis and penicillin-prophylaxis were not significantly related (<0.05) to resistance to their corresponding antibiotics.
Antioxidant activities, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic effects, quality attributes, and bioactive compounds of Ghanaian ginger under varied dehydration conditions
(John Wiley and Sons Inc, 2021) Osae, R.; Apaliya, M. K.; Kwaw, E.; Chisepo, M. T. R; Aforo Antiri, E.; Phyllis Naa Yarley, O.; Alolga, R. N.
This study sought to determine how different dehydration methods affect the quality of Ghanaian ginger. Slices of ginger rhizomes were subjected to freeze drying (FD), relative humidity convective drying (RHCD), infrared drying (IR), microwave drying (MC), and pulsed vacuum drying (PVD). The quality characteristics of the dried slices were assessed and compared based on their levels of selected gingerols or gingerol derivatives and their chromatic properties, antioxidant activities, and flavonoid content. Analysis of the chromatic properties of the dried samples revealed that the chroma value and hue angle values were highest for the samples subjected to FD (32.99, 88.13°) compared with those subjected to RHCD (28.90, 85.69°), IR (26.66, 83.79°), MC (24.36, 79.78°), and PVD (21.73, 78.96°). FD best preserved and retained the total flavonoid content (69.01 mg GAE/g db) and antioxidant activities evidenced by results of DPPH (124.53 mgTE/g db) and CUPRAC (90.71 mgTE/g db) determinations than the samples subjected to RHCD, IR, MC, and PVD. Finally, the cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory effects of extracts of the various dried ginger samples were evaluated using RAW 264.7 cells. Holistically, the samples from FD and RHCD gave the best outcomes for all the parameters compared. These two techniques are therefore recommended for large-scale application because they enhance the quality of ginger by maintaining its chemical integrity. These findings provide a deeper understanding of the different dehydration techniques as well as serve as a guide on the selection of the right drying technique for fresh ginger. Novelty impact statement: Ginger is one of the most extensively used spices in the world, but because of its high moisture content, it is usually dried to extend its shelf-life. For commercial purposes, an effective, safe, and efficient dryer is necessary to produce high-quality dried ginger. This dryer must be able to maintain the product quality while reducing processing time and energy usage. The findings of this study provide a deeper understanding of the different dehydration techniques as well as serve as a guide on the selection of the right drying technique for fresh ginger.
Antioxidant activity of corchorus olitorius and its effect on lipid peroxidation in mice.
(Elixir International, 2018) Yabani, D.; Adotey, G.
The study examined the antioxidant and anti-lipid peroxidative activity of Corchorus olitorius. Antioxidant activity was examined in-vitro by 1,1,-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging method. Lipid peroxidation, examined by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in erythrocytes of three groups of mice fed different levels of C. olitorius, showed reduction in MDA from 1.38 to 0.94 μmol/g Hb and 1.22 to 0.83 μmol/g Hb in male and female mice respectively. No significant change in weights (p>0.05) were found in the liver, kidney, heart, spleen and lungs of the mice. Changes in body weights were significant (p<0.05) suggesting C. olitorius’ potential use in obesity management.
Application of machine learning in predicting construction project profit in Ghana using Support Vector Regression Algorithm (SVRA)
(Emerald Group Holdings Ltd., 2021) Adinyira, E.; Adjei, E. A. G.; Agyekum, K.; Fugar, F. D. K.
Purpose: Knowledge of the effect of various cash-flow factors on expected project profit is important to effectively manage productivity on construction pwas conducted to develop and test the sensitivity of a Machine Learning Support Vector Regression Algorithm (SVRA) to predict construction project profit in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach: The study relied on data from 150 institutional projects executed within the past five years (2014–2018) in developing the model. Eighty percent (80%) of the data from the 150 projects was used at hyperparameter selection and final training phases of the model development and the remaining 20% for model testing. Using MATLAB for Support Vector Regression, the parameters available for tuning were the epsilon values, the kernel scale, the box constraint and standardisations. The sensitivity index was computed to determine the degree to which the independent variables impact the dependent variable. Findings: The developed model's predictions perfectly fitted the data and explained all the variability of the response data around its mean. Average predictive accuracy of 73.66% was achieved with all the variables on the different projects in validation. The developed SVR model was sensitive to labour and loan. Originality/value: The developed SVRA combines variation, defective works and labour with other financial constraints, which have been the variables used in previous studies. It will aid contractors in predicting profit on completion at commencement and also provide information on the effect of changes to cash-flow factors on profit.
Application of multilevel and panel data statistical techniques in modelling the amount of rainfall in selected locals in the Greater Accra Region.
(International Journal of Social Ecology and Sustainable Development, 2022) Asare, I. O.; Yeboah, J. O.
This study assessed the factors that affects the amount of rainfall in Ghana. Knowing the factors that influence the amount of rainfall in a given geographical area is very important for planning and decision-making purposes. In this study, temperature, relative humidity, locality and the seasons that these factors occur were considered in determining the amount of rainfall received on land. Multilevel and panel data analysis techniques were used to analyze the data gathered from 2001-2015. The study reveals that temperature has effect on rainfall whiles relative humidity has no significant effect on the amount of rainfall experienced in the selected areas used for the study. The result shows that rainfall is maximized when temperature and relative humidity are at high levels and few rainfalls is expected when both parameters are at low levels. The study also highlighted on the importance of the study variables on food production in Ghana.
Application of nanotechnology in bioengineering industry and its potential hazards to human health and the environment
(The Pharma Innovation, 2017) Danquah-Amoah, A.; Morya, S.
Nanotechnology is regarded as one of the most transformative technology of 21st century, which has potential to upgrade scientific innovation while tremendously giving advantage to the society. Bioengineering is the application of the life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics and engineering principles to define and solve problems in biology, medicine, health care and other fields. Bioengineering is a relatively new discipline that combines many aspects of traditional engineering fields such as chemical, electrical and mechanical engineering. Examples of bioengineering includes, artificial hips, knees and other joints ultrasound, MRI and other medical imaging techniques, using engineered organisms for chemical, food and pharmaceutical manufacturing industry. The applications of nanotechnology in bioengineering sector are safety (e.g., detection of pathogens in food), food security (e.g., intelligent, active, and smart packaging systems), food processing (e.g., encapsulation of flavor or odor enhancer; food textural or quality improvement; new gelation or viscofying agents). Nano-enabled materials (NEMs) are manufactured with dimension of less than 100 nm. The use of these nano-enabled materials (NEMs) in food contact substances is considered to improve functionality of food product. Nano-enabled materials (NEMs) are desirable for food packaging application due to increased surface reactivity and dispersibility. However, various studies shows that various nano-particles like nanocellulose, nanosilver etc. migrating out of packaging material at low levels and can cause health risks to consumers. Hence, it is necessary to research in this area to adequately characterize potential human hazards and risk associated with nanotechnology to human exposure, despite is immerse benefits to human health.
Application of principal component analysis on perceived barriers to youth entrepreneurship
(2020) Mensah, A. C.; Dadzie, J.
Entrepreneurship is an imperative driving force for innovation in a country. Nevertheless, there is lack of systematic investigation in the area of barriers to entrepreneurship and its effects on the intentions of the youth becoming an entrepreneur. As a result, the primary objective of the study is to analyze perceived barriers to youth entrepreneurship. The study used responses from 186 students of a tertiary institution, who were selected based on convenience sampling method. A 5 point likert scale was used to measure the responses and the data analyzed with descriptive statistics, correlation and principal component analysis. The results indicate that youth perceive lack of capital, lack of skill, lack of support, lack of market opportunities and risk as the main barriers to youth entrepreneurship. Nine (9) factors with Eigenvalues greater than one accounted for 73.35% of the variance explained. The study recommends that, stakeholders precautiously design courses and policies to minimize the perception of entrepreneurship barriers and maximize motivational factors. Entrepreneurship education be designed to enhance skills and knowledge in entrepreneurship and also to reorient students’ career choices towards entrepreneurship. Awareness campaign of government support instruments should be done. Policy makers should implement sound economic policies to boost the country’s economic environment.
Assessing the performance of the discrete generalised pareto distribution in modelling non-life insurance claims.
(Journal of Probability and Statistics, 2021) Dzidzornu, S. K .B; Minkah, R.
,e generalised Pareto distribution (GPD) offers a family of probability spaces which support threshold exceedances and is thus suitable for modelling high-end actuarial risks. Nonetheless, its distributional continuity presents a critical limitation in characterising data of discrete forms. Discretising the GPD, therefore, yields a derived distribution which accommodates the count data while maintaining the essential tail modelling properties of the GPD. In this paper, we model non-life insurance claims under the threeparameter discrete generalised Pareto (DGP) distribution. Data for the study on reported and settled claims, spanning the period 2012–2016, were obtained from the National Insurance Commission, Ghana. ,e maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) principle was adopted in fitting the DGP to yearly and aggregated data.,e estimation involved two steps. First, we propose a modification to the μ and (μ + 1) frequency method in the literature. ,e proposal provides an alternative routine for generating initial estimators for MLE, in cases of varied count intervals, as is a characteristic of the claim data under study. Second, a bootstrap algorithm is implemented to obtain standard errors of estimators of the DGP parameters. ,e performance of the DGP is compared to the negative binomial distribution in modelling the claim data using the Akaike and Bayesian information criteria.,e results show that the DGP is appropriate for modelling the count of non-life insurance claims and provides a better fit to the regulatory claim data considered
Assessment of cardiovascular risk in post-menopausal women in Ghana.
(F 100 Research, 2019) Afrifa, J.; Botchway, F. A.; Opoku, Y. K.; Badohu, J.; Ocran, H. E.; Asare, K. K.; Essien-Baidoo, S.
Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) continue to be a major cause of death among post-menopausal women. We sought to assess cardiovascular risk among pre- and post-menopausal women living within the Cape Coast Municipality by comparing the lipid profiles and other emerging biomarkers of CVD, i.e. the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), visceral adiposity index (VAI), body adiposity index (BAI) and Castelli index I (CRI-I). Methods: A comparative cross-section of 150 women (75 pre-menopausal women and 75 post-menopausal women) visiting the University of Cape Coast hospital for regular checkups were randomly recruited into the study. Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of participants were obtained with the aid of a structured questionnaire. Blood pressure (BP) was measured and lipid profile was estimated using fasting blood samples. Other markers of cardiovascular risk such as BMI, AIP, VAI, BAI and CRI-I were estimated. Results: We report elevated levels of total cholesterol (TC) (p<0.0001), low density lipoprotein (LDL) (p<0.0001), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) (p=0.0021), triglycerides (TG) (p<0.0001) and non-high-density lipoprotein (non-HDL-C) cholesterol (p<0.0001) in post-menopausal women compared with pre-menopausal women. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) (p<0.0001) was, however, decreased in post-menopausal women. Mean AIP (p< 0.0001), VAI (p< 0.0001), BAI (p< 0.0038) and CRI-I (p<0.0001) were significantly increased in post-menopausal women compared to pre-menopausal women. We also report a positive correlation of TC, TG, VLDL and non-HDL with atherogenic markers AIP, VAI and CRI-I in post-menopausal women. A negative correlation of HDL with AIP, VAI, and CR in post-menopausal womenwas also observed. Conclusions: Menopause could lead to changes in lipid profile to atherogenicity with associated increase in the risk of CVD. Atherogenic markers such as AIP, VAI, BAI, and CR can serve as potential biomarkers for predicting CVD.
Assessment of High Network Latency on Broadband Powerline Communication
(Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc., 2019) Antwi, O. A.; Mohammed, H.; Acakpovi, A.; Donkor, L. M.
This paper focuses on the evaluation of broadband power line communication taking in terms of data transmission and the delayed measured and compared to theoretical values. The utilization of communication systems has expanded rapidly. However, there is a need to deploy new telecommunication systems and transmission technologies that can carry more data and allows faster transmission at a minimal cost. Due to this, the effect of high latency, noise and interference in communication networks is one major challenge that pose great danger to faster and successful data transmission. We use data obtained from the software tool (ICMP) which recorded the ping statistics and (SPSS) in data coding and analysis. Broadband power line communication may be seen as complementary or alternative solutions to traditional fixed line networks and wireless networks according to existing network architectures with PLC bandwidths set to increase
The association between core job components, physical activity, and mental health in African academics in a post-COVID-19 context
(Springer, 2021) Asiamah, N.; Muhonja, F.; Omisore, A.; Opuni, F. F.; Mensah, H. K.; Danquah, E.; Agyemang, S. M.; Agyemang, I.; Hatsu, S.; Baffoe, R. S.; Eku, E.; Manu, C. A.
This study examined the association between core job components (i.e. teaching, research, and student assessment), physical activity (PA), and mental health in COVID-19 context. An online questionnaire administered via Google Forms was used to gather data from 1064 African academics in four countries. A sensitivity analysis was applied to adjust for covariates. Data were analyzed with the hierarchical linear regression analysis. The average age of participants was 44 years. The study found that PA was positively associated with research but negatively associated with student assessment. Mental health was positively associated with onsite teaching but negatively associated with online teaching and research. PA did not predict mental health and mediate the relationship between the job components and mental health. It is concluded that PA may not increase mental health in African academics in a post-COVID-19 situation that required the resumption of work while observing social distancing protocols.
Association between Micronutrients, Oxidative Stress Biomarkers and Angiogenic Growth Mediators in Early and Late-onset Preeclamptic Ghanaian Women
(PubMed, 2023) Anto, E. O.; Ofori Boadu, W. I.; Addai-Mensah, O.; Wiafe, Y. A.; Owiredu, w. k.; Obirikorang, c.; Annani-Akollor, m. e.; Adua, E.; Appiah, M.; Opoku, S.; Acheampong, E.; Asamoah, E. A.; Owiredu, E. W.; Odame Anto, A.; Tawiah, A.; Ankobea, F.; Afrifa Yamoah, E.; Coall, D. A.
Objectives: Micronutrients, especially calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) are reported to reduce preeclampsia events via several factors such as endothelial cell control, optimal oxidative stress and a balanced angiogenic growth mediator. We evaluated the association of micronutrients with oxidative stress biomarkers, and angiogenic growth mediators in early-onset preeclampsia and late-onset preeclampsia. Methods: This case-control study recruited 197 preeclampsia (early-onset preeclampsia = 70 and late-onset preeclampsia = 127) as cases and 301 normotensive pregnant women as controls from the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Ghana. Samples were collected after 20 weeks of gestation for both cases and controls and estimated for Ca, Mg, soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1, placental growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor-A, soluble endoglin, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine, 8-epiprostaglandinF2-alpha and total antioxidant capacity. Results: Early-onset preeclampsia women had significantly lower levels of Ca, Mg, placental growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor-A and total antioxidant capacity but higher levels of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1, soluble endoglin, 8-epiprostaglandinF2-alpha, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine, soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1/placental growth factor ratio, 8-epiprostaglandinF2-alpha /placental growth factor ratio, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine/placental growth factor ratio and soluble endoglin/placental growth factor ratio than late-onset preeclampsia and normotensive pregnant women (p < 0.0001). Among the early-onset preeclampsia women, the first and second quartile for serum placental growth factor, first quartile for vascular endothelial growth factor-A and total antioxidant capacity and the fourth quartiles for serum sEng, serum sFlt-1, 8-epiPGF2α and 8-OHdG were independently associated with low Ca and Mg (p < 0.05). Among late-onset preeclampsia women, the fourth quartile for soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 was independently associated with low Ca and Mg (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Magnesium and calcium are associated with an imbalance in angiogenic growth mediators and oxidative stress biomarkers among preeclampsia women, particularly early-onset preeclampsia. Serial and routine measurement of these micronutrients would allow the monitoring of poor placental angiogenesis while enabling an understanding of the triggers of increased oxidative stress and reduced antioxidant in preeclampsia.
Association between Transcription Factor 7-like-2 Polymorphisms and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in a Ghanaian Population.
(MDPI, 2021) Obirikorang, C.; Adu, E. A.; Anto, E.O.; Acheampong, E.; Quaye, L.; Amoah, B.Y.; Annani-Akollor, M.E.; Kwakye, A.S.; Fokuoh, F.; Appiah, M; Nyarko, N.Y.E; Freeman, A.; Adua, E.; Yamoah-Afrifa, E.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been strongly associated with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the TCF7L2 gene. This study investigated the association between rs12255372, rs7903146 in the TCF7L2 gene and T2DM in a Ghanaian population. A case-control study design was used for this study. A total of 106 T2DM patients and 110 control participants were selected. Basic data collected included body mass index, blood pressure and socio-demographics. Fasting blood samples were collected and processed for: serum lipid analysis, plasma glucose estimation and plasma HbA1c estimation. Parts of the whole blood samples were used for DNA extraction using a modified salting-out method. Common and allele-specific primers were designed for genotyping using the Modified Tetra-Primer Amplification assay. Associations were evaluated using logistic regression models. The rs7903146 risk variant was significantly associated with 2.16 vs. 4.06 increased odds for T2DM in patients <60 years vs. ≥60 years. Both rs7903146 and rs12255372 were significantly associated with increased odds of T2DM in women, overweight/obese, T2DM negative family history (T2DM-NFH) and low-HDL-C. In a multivariate model, rs7903146 but not rs12255372 was significantly associated with 2.18, 5.01 and 2.25 increased odds of T2DM, under the codominant, recessive and additive model, respectively (p < 0.05). The association between rs7903146 and rs12255372 with T2DM is more highly associated in a subgroup—women and those with T2DM-NFH, yet who have cardiometabolic risk.
Association of MYH9-rs3752462 polymorphisms with chronic kidney disease among clinically diagnosed hypertensive patients: a case-control study in a Ghanaian population Clinical Hypertension
(PubMed, 2020) Owiredu, W.K.B.A; Appiah, M.; Obirikorang, C.; Asamoah Adu1, E.; Boima, V.; Amos-Abanyie, E.K.; Akyaw, P.A.; Owiredu, E.W.; Acheampong, E.
Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a significant comorbidity among hypertensive patients. Polymorphisms in the non-muscle myosin heavy chain 9 gene (MYH9) have been demonstrated to be significantly associated with CKD, among African- and European-derived populations. We investigated the spectrum of MYH9-associated CKD among Ghanaian hypertensive patients. Methods: The study constituted a total of 264 hypertensive patients. Hypertensive patients with glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 ml/min/1.73m2 (CKD-EPI formula) or clinically diagnosed were defined as case subjects (n = 132) while those with eGFR ≥60 ml/min/1.73m2 were classified as control subjects (n = 132). Demographic data were obtained with a questionnaire and anthropometric measurements were taken. Five (5) millilitres (ml) of venous blood was drawn from study subjects into gel and EDTA vacutainer tubes. Two (2) mL of EDTA anticoagulated blood was used for genomic DNA extraction while three (3) mL of blood was processed to obtain serum for biochemical measurements. Genotyping of MYH9 polymorphisms (rs3752462) was done employing Tetra primer Amplification Refractory Mutation System (T-ARMS) polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Spot urine samples were also collected for urinalysis. Hardy-Weinberg population was assessed. Logistic regression models were used to assess the associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms and CKD. Results: The cases and control participants differed in terms of age, sex, family history, and duration of CKD (p-value < 0.001). The minor allele frequencies of rs3752462 SNP were 0.820 and 0.567 respectively among the control and case subjects. Patients with the heterozygote genotype of rs3752462 (CT) were more likely to develop CKD [aOR = 7.82 (3.81-16.04)] whereas those with homozygote recessive variant (TT) were protective [aOR = 0.12 (0.06-0.25)]. Single nucleotide polymorphism of rs3752462 (CT genotype) was associated with increased proteinuria, albuminuria, and reduced eGFR. Conclusions: We have demonstrated that MYH9 polymorphisms exist among Ghanaian hypertensive patients and rs3752462 polymorphism of MYH9 is associated with CKD. This baseline indicates that further longitudinal and multi-institutional studies in larger cohorts in Ghana are warranted to evaluate MYH9 SNP as an independent predictor of CKD among hypertensive patients in Ghana.
Associations between malaria in pregnancy and neonatal neurological outcomes.
(Elsevier Ltd, 2021) Lawford, H. L.; Nuamah, M. A.; Liley, H. G.; Griffin, A.; Lekpor, C. E.; Botchway, F.; Bora, S.
Objective: To compare neurological functioning of neonates born to mothers with and without malaria in pregnancy. Methods: Pregnant women presenting at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana were recruited into this prospective observational study. Malaria exposure was determined by clinically documented antenatal malaria infection; parasitemia in maternal, placental, or umbilical cord blood; or placental histology. Neurological functioning was assessed using the Hammersmith Neonatal Neurological Examination within 48 hours of birth. Performance was classified as "optimal" or "suboptimal" by subdomain and overall. Results: Between November 21, 2018 and February 10, 2019, a total of 211 term-born neonates, of whom 27 (13%) were exposed to malaria in pregnancy, were included. In the reflexes subdomain, exposed neonates tended to score lower (adjusted mean difference -0.34, 95% confidence interval -0.70 to 0.03), with an increased risk (adjusted risk ratio 1.63, 95% confidence interval 1.09 to 2.44) of suboptimal performance compared with unexposed neonates. There were no significant between-group differences in scores or optimality classification for the remaining subdomains and overall. Conclusions: Malaria-exposed neonates had similar neurological functioning relative to unexposed neonates, with differences confined to the reflexes subdomain, suggesting potential underlying neurological immaturity or injury. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and determine the significance of malaria in pregnancy on long-term neurological outcomes.

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