Department of Medical Biochemistry
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Item Exploring Anti-Breast Cancer Effects of Live Pediococcus acidilactici and Its Cell-Free Supernatant Isolated from Human Breast Milk(International Journal of Breast Cancer, 2024) Adumuah, N.N.; Quarshie, J.T.; Danwonno, H.; et al.Current breast cancer treatment options are limited by drug resistance and adverse side effects, which calls for the need for alternatives or complementary remedies. Probiotic bacteria isolated from human breast milk have been shown to possess proapoptotic and anti-inflammatory properties against breast mastitis in breastfeeding mothers and are being studied as possible anticancer regimens. Thus, this study aimed at exploring the effect of lactic acid bacteria isolated from human breast milk on MDA-MB 231 breast cancer cells. A total of twenty-two bacteria were isolated from four human breast milk samples. The isolates were characterized and identified using biochemical tests and Sanger sequencing, respectively. For in vitro In experiments, we used isolated P. acidilactici to treat MDA-MB-231 cells, and an MTT assay was used to detect proliferation. RT-qPCR and wound healing assays were performed to determine the effect of the isolated P. acidilactici on breast cancer cytokine expression and migration. Exposure of MDA-MB 231 breast cancer cells to live P. acidilactici and its cell-free supernatant (CFS) for 24 hours resulted in a reduction in cancer cell viability. Also, the expression of the cytokines IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 in the breast cancer cells increased following exposure to P. acidilactici and its CFS for 24 and 72 h. Additionally, the levels of the SLUG gene remained unchanged, while the TWIST1 gene was upregulated following exposure of the cancer cells to bacteria, indicating that P. acidilactici may promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition in breast cancer. Finally, the CFS significantly inhibited cancer cell mobility. These findings serve as a foundation to further investigate the usefulness of P. acidilactici as a potential therapeutic agent in breast cancer therapyItem Alcohol intake, smoking, self-medication practices and burden of anaemia among traders in Tamale metropolis of Ghana(BMC Research Notes, 2023) Anabire, N.G.; Billak, G.D.; Helegbe, G.K.Objective Lifestyle choices including physical inactivity, smoking, abuse of alcohol and drugs, unhealthy diet are common among traders and market women and these behavioural activities predispose individuals to ill-health conditions including cardiovascular diseases and chronic anaemia. We evaluated lifestyle choices such as alcohol intake, smoking and resorting to self-medication among traders in the Tamale Central market in Ghana. We then associated these lifestyle choices with anaemia. Results A total of 400 participants were recruited for this study. Haemoglobin (Hb) levels of participants were measured using Mission® Plus Hb meter and anaemia was diagnosed by Hb<12 g/dl for non-pregnant females and Hb<13 g/dl for males. Of the participants, a majority (69.3%) were males, and most of them (56.0%) were within 18–35 years age bracket. While alcohol intake and smoking were uncommon, self-medication was a common practice among the participants. Anaemia was a common condition; diagnosed in 44.5% of participants, but was independent of age, alcohol intake and smoking. However, anaemia was more common in females (χ2=15.9, p<0.001) and was associated with self-medication (χ2=5.7, p=0.017). We recommend that traders in the Tamale metropolis should seek routine health check-ups to help avert adverse health consequences associated with anaemia.Item Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency genotypes and allele frequencies in the Kavango and Zambezi regions of northern Namibia(Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 2019-04-09) Ababio, G; Haiyambo, D.H.; Ilunga, A.; Nangombe, R.; Hatuikulipi, T.; Aleksenko, L.; Misihairabgwi, J.; Uusiku, P.; Pernica, J.M.; Greco, B.; Quaye, I.K.Background: Namibia has made significant gains in the fight against malaria, with a target of elimination by 2023. We examined the genotype and allele frequencies of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency to inform decisions on primaquine use, as we recently detected clusters of Plasmodium ovale curtisi in Kavango. Methods: A multistaged cross-sectional sampling method was used to enrol 212 children 2–9 y of age from schools and clinics in the Okavango and Zambezi regions of northern Namibia. Genotypes for the 202 G→A and 376 A→G mutations were assigned by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism. Results: Of the 212 subjects enrolled, genotypes were available for 210, made up of 61 males and 149 females. G6PD-deficient males (hemizygotes) and females (homozygotes) constituted 3.27% (2/61) and 0.0% (0/149), respectively. Female heterozygotes (AA− and BA−) constituted 10.07% (15/149), while G6PD wild-type males (with A or B haplotype) and females (with AA, BB or AB haplotypes) consisted of 96.72% (59/61) and 89.93% (134/149), respectively. The A−, A and B allele frequencies were 0.0474, 0.3036 and 0.6490, respectively. Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium tests for female genotype frequencies did not show deviation (p=0.29). Conclusions: The frequency of G6PD deficiency alleles in males in the Kavango and Zambezi regions of northern Namibia constitute 3.27%, a first report to inform policy on primaquine role out.Item A model for height and sex prediction from percutaneous lengths of forearm bones(Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences, 2019) Okai, I.; Pianim, A.A.; Arko-Boham, B.; Acheampong, E.Estimating the probable height, sex and age of unknown human remains is not uncommon to forensic experts. Applying mathematical formula derived from metric data of a population is accepted as an alternative when anatomical methods are not feasible during this process of identification. Although each population has to generate their own formulae because of differences in the genetic, environmental and racial attributes of populations, little is known of Ghanaians. Thus, we attempted to derive equations for height and sex prediction, by measuring the ulna and radial lengths of 300 Ghanaian subjects, composed of 160 males and 140 females, with a spreading calliper and a tape measure, and their heights with a stadiometer. Regressions and discriminant function analysis were applied to the variables in SPSS to generate formulae for height and sex prediction respectively. The mean height, ulna length and radial length for sampled individuals were 167.4, 28.6 and 25.9 cm respectively. Height exhibited a strong and significant positive correlation with ulna length (r = 0.720, p < 0.0001) and radial length (r = 0.664, p < 0.0001). However, for our data, ulna length is a better predictor of height and sex than radial length. Overall accuracy of sex determination based on radial or ulna length alone was 75.3% and 82.3% respectively. © 2018, © 2018 Australian Academy of Forensic Sciences.Item Knowledge of standard precautions and barriers to compliance among healthcare workers in the Lower Manya Krobo District, Ghana(BMC Research Notes, 2017) Akagbo, S.E.; Nortey, P.; Ackumey, M.M.Background: Implementing standard precautions (SP) has been a major challenge for health care workers (HCWs) especially those in developing countries thereby compromising their safety and increasing their exposure to blood-related pathogens. Compliance with safety precautions and occupational accidents among health workers are often unreported. The literature on knowledge and compliance to SP in Ghana is scanty. We report findings of a study that examined knowledge of SP, compliance and barriers to compliance with SP among HCWs in two health facilities in Ghana. Methods: This is a facility-based cross-sectional study involving 100 HCWs from two health facilities in the Lower Manya Krobo District of the Eastern region. Statistical analysis summarised data on socio-demographic characteristics of respondents, knowledge of SP and compliance and barriers to SP in frequencies and percentages. Results: Most respondents had been working as health staff for 0-5 years (65.0%). Generally, knowledge of the basic concepts of SP was low; only 37.0% of HCWs knew that SP includes hand washing before and after any direct contact with the patient, 39.0% knew about cough etiquettes and 40.0% knew about aseptic techniques which involve infection prevention strategies to minimise the risks of infection. Fifty percent of respondents always protect themselves against BBFs of patients. About a quarter of the respondents do not recap needles after use and 28.0% of respondents sometimes promptly wipe all blood spills. HCWs were of the opinion that wearing PPEs - such as gloves, aprons, gowns and goggles - might cause patients to panic sometimes (63.0%) and complying with SP sometimes interferes with the ability to provide care (38.0%). Sometimes, because of the demands of patient care, HCWs do not have enough time to comply with the rigours of SP (44.0%) and sometimes PPEs are not available. Conclusion: Education programmes on the benefits of SP should be organised frequently. The OHS national policy together with the application of the IPC training manual in all health care facilities must be enforced. Communities of practice should be established and sanctions and rewards should be introduced to limit negative behavior and reinforce positive attitudes as regards SP. © 2017 The Author(s).Item Thyroid hormone status in Ghanaian patients with chronic kidney disease(Pan African Medical Journal, 2018-03) Aryee, N.A.; Tagoe, E.A.; Anomah, V.; Arko-Boham, B.; Adjei, D.N.Introduction There is limited data on the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in Ghanaian individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Studies exploring the effect of thyroid hormones on renal function decline are also scanty. Unrecognized thyroid dysfunction in CKD may increase the burden of adverse health outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine thyroid hormone status and lipid profiles in patients with CKD attending the Renal Unit of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. Methods 60 clinically euthyroid patients with CKD, and 65 clinically euthyroid subjects without CKD were recruited for this study. Estimation of effective glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was done using the 4-variable Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) formula with subsequent staging of CKD (stages 2-4). Collected venous blood samples from all study participants were analyzed for creatinine, free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglycerides (TG). Results Levels of TC, HDL, LDL, and TSH levels did not differ significantly between the two study groups. However, TG, VLDL, FT3 and FT4 levels were significantly higher in CKD patients than in the control group. TC, TG, HDL, LDL, VLDL and TSH levels were not significantly different between stages of CKD in study subjects, although FT4 and FT3 levels were significantly different between all stages of CKD. Conclusion Higher levels of FT3 and FT4 but not TSH, are associated with the incidence of CKD and eGFR decline in Ghanaian CKD patients.Item Liver cirrhosis in sub-Saharan Africa: neglected, yet important(The Lancet Global Health, 2018-09) Vento, S.; Dzudzor, B.; Cainelli, F.; Tachi, K.Clinical efforts and research on liver diseases have been scarce in sub-Saharan Africa. The first Conference on Liver Disease in Africa (Nairobi, Sept 13–15, 2018), gathering all stakeholders from the continent, is a welcome step towards greater attention to the problem, and the important issue of liver cirrhosis. Cirrhosis-related deaths doubled in sub-Saharan Africa between 1980 and 2010, and the Central African Republic, Gabon, Malawi, Uganda, and Cote d'Ivoire were among the highest 10% of countries for these deaths in 2010.1 Most cases of cirrhosis were attributed to hepatitis B virus (HBV), alcohol misuse, and hepatitis C virus (HCV), but around 30% were unrelated to these causes.1 The understudied non-alcoholic fatty liver disease probably has a role in these latter cases, considering the increase in obesity in sub-Saharan Africa, and traditional herbal medicine could also contribute, because its use is associated with a substantial increase in liver fibrosis.Item Khat-related liver disease in sub-Saharan Africa: neglected, yet important – Authors' reply(The Lancet Global Health, 2019-03) Vento, S.; Dzudzor, B.; Cainelli, F.; Tachi, K.We thank Stian Orlien and colleagues for raising attention to the issue of khat use as a recreational drug in sub-Saharan Africa in response to our Comment.1 Although we mentioned the fact that traditional herbal medicine could contribute to the burden of cirrhosis in this region, as the use of khat is associated with a substantial increase in liver fibrosis,2 we do not think that the available evidence shows that khat is a major contributor to chronic liver disease. Khat is used in parts of east Africa, including Djibouti, Ethiopia, Somalia, Somaliland, Kenya, Sudan, Uganda, and Madagascar. Apart from its long-standing popularity as a recreational drug, it can be used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, malaria, influenza, vomiting, and headache.3 The Central African Republic, Gabon, and Côte d'Ivoire were in the top 10% of countries for cirrhosis-related deaths in 2010 but khat use is uncommon in west or central Africa.4Item Prevalence of G6PD deficiency and associated haematological parameters in children from Botswana(Elsevier B.V., 2018) Motshoge, T.; Ababio, G.; Aleksenko, L.; Souda, S.; Muthoga, C.W.; Mutukwa, N.; Tawe, L.; Ramatlho, P.; Gabaitiri, L.; Chichanga, S.; Mosweunyane, T.; Hamda, S.; Moakofhi, K.; Ntebela, D; Peloewetse, E.; Mazhani, L.; Pernica, J.M.; Read, J.; Quaye, I.K.; Pagnotti, G.M.Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is commonly seen in malaria endemic areas as it is known to confer a selective advantage against malaria. Recently, we reported a high proportion of asymptomatic reservoir of Plasmodium vivax in Botswana, that calls for intervention with primaquine to achieve radical cure of vivax malaria. Considering that individuals with this enzyme deficiency are at risk of haemolysis following primaquine treatment, assessment of the population for the relative frequency of G6PD deficiency is imperative. Samples from 3019 children from all the districts of Botswana were successfully genotyped for polymorphisms at positions 202 and 376 of the G6PD gene. Haematological parameters were also measured. The overall population allele frequency (based on the hemizygous male frequency) was 2.30% (95% CI, 1.77-2.83), while the overall frequency of G6PD-deficient genotypes A- (hemizygote and homozygote genotypes only) was 1.26% (95% CI, 0.86-1.66). G6PD deficiency is spread in Botswana according to the historical prevalence of malaria with a North-West to South-East decreasing gradient trend. There was no association between G6PD status and P. vivax infection. G6PD A- form was found to be associated with decreased RBC count and haemoglobin levels without a known cause or illness. In conclusion, we report for the first time the prevalence of G6PD deficiency in Botswana which is relevant for strategies in the malaria elimination campaign. Further work to examine the activities of the enzyme in the Botswana population at risk for malaria is warranted.Item Antioxidant activity of solvent fractions of taraxacum officinale (dandelion) leaves(Journal of Herbs, Spices and Medicinal Plants, 2014-05) Tettey, C.O.; Ocloo, A.; Nagajyothi, P.C.; Lee, K.D.Methanolic crude extract of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) leaves was fractionated in solvents and antioxidant activity evaluated. The ethyl acetate and butanol fractions showed high antioxidant activities in all the assays. Methylene chloride and water fractions demonstrated moderate activity, whereas the hexane fraction had relatively lower activity. Copyright © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.Item Identification of fluorinases from streptomyces sp MA37, norcardia brasiliensis, and actinoplanes sp N902-109 by genome mining(ChemBioChem, 2014) Deng, H.; Ma, L.; Bandaranayaka, N.; Qin, Z.; Mann, G.; Kyeremeh, K.; Yu, Y.; Shepherd, T.; Naismith, J.H.; O'Hagan, D.The fluorinase is an enzyme that catalyses the combination of S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) and a fluoride ion to generate 5′-fluorodeoxy adenosine (FDA) and L-methionine through a nucleophilic substitution reaction with a fluoride ion as the nucleophile. It is the only native fluorination enzyme that has been characterised. The fluorinase was isolated in 2002 from Streptomyces cattleya, and, to date, this has been the only source of the fluorinase enzyme. Herein, we report three new fluorinase isolates that have been identified by genome mining. The novel fluorinases from Streptomyces sp. MA37, Nocardia brasiliensis, and an Actinoplanes sp. have high homology (80-87 % identity) to the original S. cattleya enzyme. They all possess a characteristic 21-residue loop. The three newly identified genes were overexpressed in E. coli and shown to be fluorination enzymes. An X-ray crystallographic study of the Streptomyces sp. MA37 enzyme demonstrated that it is almost identical in structure to the original fluorinase. Culturing of the Streptomyces sp. MA37 strain demonstrated that it not only also elaborates the fluorometabolites, fluoroacetate and 4-fluorothreonine, similar to S. cattleya, but this strain also produces a range of unidentified fluorometabolites. These are the first new fluorinases to be reported since the first isolate, over a decade ago, and their identification extends the range of fluorination genes available for fluorination biotechnology. Get on the fluor! The fluorinase enzyme from Streptomyces cattleya was identified in 2002 as the only fluorination enzyme known in biochemistry. Three additional fluorinases expressed through bacterial genome mining are now reported. These new fluorinases extend the range of genes available for developing fluorination biotechnology. Copyright © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.Item HIV-1 CRF 02 AG polymerase genes in southern Ghana are mosaics of different 02 AG strains and the protease gene cannot infer subtypes.(2009) Sagoe, K.W.; Dwidar, M.; Adiku, T.K.; Arens, M.Q.Background. Little is known about the detailed phylogeny relationships of CRF 02-AG HIV-1 polymerase genes in Ghana. The use of the protease gene of HIV-1 for subtyping has shown conflicting results. Methods. The partial polymerase gene sequences of 25 HIV-1 strains obtained with Viroseq reagents were aligned with reference subtypes and alignments trimmed to a 300 bp protease, 661 bp and 1005 reverse transcriptase sequence alignments. Phylogenetic relationships of these alignments were determined with the Neighbour-Joining method using 1000 replicates and recombination patterns determined for the sequences with RIP 3.0 in the HIV sequence database. Results. Unlike the other alignments, the protease gene had nodes with bootstrap values < 100% for repeat control sequences. Majority of the CRF 02-AG sequences from Ghana were made up of fragments of several strains of CRF 02-AG/AG strains. The protease gene alone is not suitable for phylogenetic analysis. Conclusion. The polymerase genes of HIV-1 strains from Ghana are made up of recombinants of several CRF 02-AG strains from Ghana, Senegal and Cameroon, but the clinical implications are unknown. Using the HIV-1 protease gene for subtyping will not infer subtypes correctly.Item Prevalence of human papillomavirus genotypes among women with cervical cancer in Ghana(2016-01-26) Awua, A. K; Sackey, S. T; Osei, Y. D; Asmah, R. H; Wiredu, E. KAbstract Background Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infections have been shown to be a necessary risk factor for the development of cervical cancer. However, HPV genotype distribution varies geographically, both in type and relative prevalence. In order to ensure a successful introduction of available vaccines, there is the need to identify pre-vaccination HPV genotype prevalence in Ghana and the extent of single and multiple-infections. Methods Paraffin-embedded cervical tissues of 256 confirmed cervical cancer cases diagnosed at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital during the period January 2004 to December 2006 were selected after hematoxylin and eosin staining and confirmation. Following a heat-proteinase K-based tissue lysis, HPV was detected and typed by a nested-multiplex PCR assay using an E6/E7 consensus primer and type-specific primers. Results Of the 256 cases, 230 (89.8 %, 95 % CI 85.7–93.4 %) were positive for HPV DNA. HPV18 (47.4 %), HPV59 (42.2 %), HPV45 (37.4 %) and HPV16 (9.0 %) were the four common HPV genotypes detected. A total of 110 (47.8 %) of the 230 HPV DNA positive tissues, were infected by a single HPV genotype while the other 120 (52.2 %) were infected by multiple HPV genotypes. A significant association was determined between each of the following HPV genotypes and multiple-infection; HPV18 (OR = 6.97; 95 % CI, 3.89–12.50), HPV59 (OR = 9.56; 95 % CI, 5.57–20.02) and HPV45 (OR = 1.94; 95 % CI, 1.12–3.35). Conclusion The prevalence of the following high risk HPV genotypes (HPV18, HPV59, HPV45) were relatively high among the cases of cervical cancers reported at this hospital in Ghana during the study period. Additionally, there was a high frequency of HPV multiple-infections among these cases.Item Influences on participant reporting in the World Health Organisation drugs exposure pregnancy registry; a qualitative study(2014-10-31) Allen, E.N.; Gomes, M.; Yevoo, L.; Egesah, O.; Clerk, C.; Byamugisha, J.; Mbonye, A.; Were, E.; Mehta, U.; Atuyambe, L.M.Abstract Background The World Health Organisation has designed a pregnancy registry to investigate the effect of maternal drug use on pregnancy outcomes in resource-limited settings. In this sentinel surveillance system, detailed health and drug use data are prospectively collected from the first antenatal clinic visit until delivery. Over and above other clinical records, the registry relies on accurate participant reports about the drugs they use. Qualitative methods were incorporated into a pilot registry study during 2010 and 2011 to examine barriers to women reporting these drugs and other exposures at antenatal clinics, and how they might be overcome. Methods Twenty-seven focus group discussions were conducted in Ghana, Kenya and Uganda with a total of 208 women either enrolled in the registry or from its source communities. A question guide was designed to uncover the types of exposure data under- or inaccurately reported at antenatal clinics, the underlying reasons, and how women prefer to be asked questions. Transcripts were analysed thematically. Results Women said it was important for them to report everything they had used during pregnancy. However, they expressed reservations about revealing their consumption of traditional, over-the-counter medicines and alcohol to antenatal staff because of anticipated negative reactions. Some enrolled participants' improved relationship with registry staff facilitated information sharing and the registry tools helped overcome problems with recall and naming of medicines. Decisions about where women sought care, which influenced medicines used and antenatal clinic attendance, were influenced by pressure within and outside of the formal healthcare system to conform to conflicting behaviours. Conversations also reflected women's responsibilities for producing a healthy baby. Conclusions Women in this study commonly take traditional medicines in pregnancy, and to a lesser extent over-the-counter medicines and alcohol. The World Health Organisation pregnancy registry shows potential to enhance their reporting of these substances at the antenatal clinic. However, more work is needed to find optimal techniques for eliciting accurate reports, especially where the detail of constituents may never be known. It will also be important to find ways of sustaining such drug exposure surveillance systems in busy antenatal clinics.Item Prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection among blood donors at the Tamale Teaching Hospital, Ghana (2009)(2012-02-22) Dongdem, J.T.; Kampo, S.; Soyiri, I.N.; Asebga, P.N.; Ziem, J.B.; Sagoe, K.Abstract Background Despite education and availability of drugs and vaccines, hepatitis B virus (HBV) is still the most common severe liver infection in the world accounting for >1 million annual deaths worldwide. Transfusion of infected blood, unprotected sex and mother to child transmission are 3 key transmission routes of HBV in Ghana. There is high incidence of blood demanding health situations in northern Ghana resulting from anemia, accidents, malnutrition, etc. The higher the demand, the higher the possibility of transmitting HBV through infected blood. The aim of the investigation was to estimate the prevalence of HBV in blood donors which will provide justification for interventions that will help minimize or eliminate HBV infection in Ghana. Findings We investigated the prevalence of HBV infection among blood donors at Tamale Teaching Hospital. The Wondfo HBsAg test kit was used to determine the concentration of HBsAg in 6,462 (576 voluntary and 5,878 replacement) donors as being ≥1 ng/ml. 10.79% of voluntary donors and 11.59% of replacement donors were HBsAg+. The 20-29 year group of voluntary donors was >2 times more likely to be HBsAg + than 40-60. Also the 20-29 year category of replacement donors was >4 times as likely to be HBsAg + than 50-69. Conclusions Risk of infection was age, sex and donor type dependent. The 20-29 year category had the highest prevalence of HBsAg + cases, mostly males residing within the metropolis.Item Understanding the effect of side groups in ionic liquids on carbon-capture properties: a combined experimental and theoretical effort.(2013-03-07) Yan, F.; Lartey, M.; Damodaran, K.; Albenze, E.; Thompson, R.L.; Kim, J.; Haranczyk, M.; Nulwala, H.B.; Luebke, D.R.; Smit, B.Ionic liquids are an emerging class of materials with applications in a variety of fields. Steady progress has been made in the creation of ionic liquids tailored to specific applications. However, the understanding of the underlying structure-property relationships has been slower to develop. As a step in the effort to alleviate this deficiency, the influence of side groups on ionic liquid properties has been studied through an integrated approach utilizing synthesis, experimental determination of properties, and simulation techniques. To achieve this goal, a classical force field in the framework of OPLS/Amber force fields has been developed to predict ionic liquid properties accurately. Cu(I)-catalyzed click chemistry was employed to synthesize triazolium-based ionic liquids with diverse side groups. Values of densities were predicted within 3% of experimental values, whereas self-diffusion coefficients were underestimated by about an order of magnitude though the trends were in excellent agreement, the activation energy calculated in simulation correlates well with experimental values. The predicted Henry coefficient for CO(2) solubility reproduced the experimentally observed trends. This study highlights the importance of integrating experimental and computational approaches in property prediction and materials development, which is not only useful in the development of ionic liquids for CO(2) capture but has application in many technological fields.Item Low HDL-cholesterol with normal triglyceride levels is the most common lipid pattern in West Africans and African Americans with metabolic syndrome: Implications for cardiovascular disease prevention(CVD Prevention and Control, 2010-09) Sumner, A.E.; Zhou, J.; Doumatey, A.; Imoisili, O.E.; Amoah, A.; Acheampong, J.; Oli, J.; Johnson, T.; Adebamowo, C.; Rotimi, C.N.Background: Although designed to predict cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus, the Metabolic Syndrome (MetSyn) under-predicts these conditions in African Americans (AA). Failure of MetSyn in AA is often attributed to their relative absence of hypertriglyceridemia. It is unknown if the African experience with MetSyn will be similar or different to that in AA. Focusing on the lipid profile, our goal was to determine in West Africans (WA) and AA the pattern of variables that leads to the diagnosis of the MetSyn. Methods: Cross-sectional analysis of 1296 subjects (364 WA, 44% male, 932 AA, 46% male). WA were from urban centers in Nigeria and Ghana and enrolled in the Africa America Diabetes Mellitus Study. AA lived in Washington, DC and participated in the Howard University Family Study. Results: The prevalence of MetSyn was different in WA women and men: 42% vs.19%, P < 0.001, and in AA women and men: 25% vs.17%, P < 0.01. The three variables that most often led to the diagnosis of MetSyn in WA and AA were: low HDL-C, central obesity and hypertension. Less than 40% of AA and less than 25% of WA with the MetSyn had hypertriglyceridemia. Conclusions: Elevated triglyceride levels were uncommon in both WA and AA with MetSyn. As the relative absence of hypertriglyceridemia is associated with a lack of efficacy of MetSyn in AA, caution is warranted in diagnosing MetSyn in WA, the ancestral population of AA. Prospective studies are necessary to determine if an ethnic-specific reformulation of the MetSyn scoring system for lipids might optimize risk identification in black populations.Item In search of susceptibility genes for type 2 diabetes in west africa: The design and results of the first phase of the AADM study(Annals of Epidemiology, 2001) Rotimi, C.N.; Dunston, G.M.; Berg, K.; Akinsete, O.; Amoah, A.; Owusu, S.; Acheampong, J.; Boateng, K.; Oli, J.; Okafor, G.; Onyenekwe, B.; Osotimehin, B.; Abbiyesuku, F.; Johnson, T.; Fasanmade, O.; Furbert-Harris, P.; Kittles, R.; Vekich, M.; Adegoke, O.; Bonney, G.; Collins, F.PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to map type 2 diabetes susceptibility genes in West African ancestral populations of African-Americans, through an international collaboration between West African and US investigators. DESIGN AND METHODS: Affected sib-pairs (ASP) along with unaffected spouse controls are being enrolled and examined in West Africa, with two sites established in Ghana (Accra and Kumasi) and three in Nigeria (Enugu, Ibadan, and Lagos). Eligible participants are invited to study clinics to obtain detailed epidemiologic, family, and medical history information. Blood samples are drawn from each participant to measure glucose, insulin, C-peptide, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides, albumin, creatinine, urea, uric acid, total calcium and to detect autoantibodies to glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD). DNA is isolated from frozen white blood cells obtained from 20 ml of EDTA whole blood samples. RESULTS: With full informed consent, 162 individuals from 78 families have been enrolled and examined since the Africa America Diabetes Mellitus (AADM) study began in June of 1997. Logistics of field examinations and specimen shipping have been successfully established. At the end of the third year of field activity (September 2000) the AADM study will have enrolled and performed comprehensive examination on 400 ASP with type 2 diabetes, for a minimum of 800 cases and 200 controls from Ghana and Nigeria. At the current participation rate, the goal of 400 sib-pairs and 200 controls will be met before the scheduled closing date. CONCLUSIONS: The AADM study will create a comprehensive epidemiologic and genetic resource that will facilitate a powerful genome-wide search for West African susceptibility genes to type 2 diabetes.Item Prevalence and determinants of diabetic retinopathy and cataracts in west african type 2 diabetes patients(Ethnicity and Disease, 2003-06) Rotimi, C.; Daniel, H.; Zhou, J.; Obisesan, A.; Chen, G.; Chen, Y.; Amoah, A.; Opoku, V.; Acheampong, J.; Agyenim-Boateng, K.; Eghan Jr., B.A.; Oli, J.; Okafor, G.; Ofeogbu, E.; Osotimehin, B.; Abbiyesuku, F.; Johnson, T.; Fasanmade, O.; Doumatey, A.; Aje, T.; Collins, F.; Dunston, G.Objective: To quantify the prevalence of, and risk factors for, diabetic retinopathy and cataracts in patients with type 2 diabetes, and their spouse controls, enrolled from 5 centers in 2 West African countries (Ghana and Nigeria). Method: The analysis cohort was made up of 840 subjects with type 2 diabetes, and their 191 unaffected spouse controls, who were enrolled and examined in Lagos, Enugu, and Ibadan, in Nigeria, and in Accra and Kumasi, in Ghana. A diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy was made only where a participant had a minimum of one microaneurysm in any field, as well as exhibiting hemorrhages (dot, blot, or flame shaped), and maculopathy (with or without clinically significant edema). Results: Average duration of diabetes was 7.0 years, and mean age at diagnosis was 46.5 years. Prevalence of diabetic retinopathy was 17.9%. Cataracts were present in 44.9% of the patients with type 2 diabetes, and in 18.3% of spouse controls. The risk of developing retinopathy increased more than 3-fold for patients at the highest fasting plasma glucose (FPG) level (OR=3.4; 95% CI, 1.8-6.3), compared to patients at the lowest FPG level. The odds ratios for persons with diabetes for 10 years or more, compared to persons with diabetes for less than 5 years, was 7.3 (95% CI, 4.3-12.3) for retinopathy, and 2.6 (95% CI, 1.5-4.5) for cataracts. Conclusions: Cataracts were a more important cause of vision impairment than was diabetic retinopathy in this cohort. The prevalence of cataracts in patients with diabetes was more than twice that of their spouse controls, indicating that type 2 diabetes is an important risk factor for cataract formation. Individuals who developed type 2 diabetes at an earlier age were more likely to develop both diabetic retinopathy and cataracts. A strong positive association was observed between FPG level, duration of diabetes, and risk of retinopathy and cataracts. The low prevalence of retinopathy and cataracts observed within the first 5 years of diagnosis of diabetes in this cohort, suggests that intensive blood glucose control may reduce the risk of the development and progression of retinopathy and cataracts. In this regard, early eye examination, preferably at first presentation of elevated blood glucose, is highly recommended.Item The drakensberg declaration on the control of rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease in africa(South African Medical Journal, 2006-03) Mayosi, B.; Robertson, K.; Volmink, J.; Adebo, W.; Akinyore, K.; Amoah, A.; Bannerman, C.; Biesman-Simons, S.; Carpetis, J.; Cilliers, A.; Commerford, P.; Croasdale, A.; Damasceno, A.; Dean, J.; Dean, M.; De-Souza, R.; Filipe, A.; Hugo-Hamman, C.; Jurgens-Clur, S.A.; Kombila-Koumba, P.; Kotzenberg, C.; Lawrenson, J.; Manga, P.; Matenga, J.; Mathivha, T.; Mntla, P.; Mocumbi, A.; Mokone, T.; Ogola, E.; Omokhodion, S.; Palweni, C.; Pearce, A.; Salo, A.; Thomas, B.; Walker, K.; Wiysonge, C.; Zaher, S.