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Background: Genetic modifications in the renin-angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) have been suggested to play a key role in the pathophysiology of hypertension. The insertion/deletion polymorphism of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene phenomenon and its relationship with essential hypertension has not been explored within the Ghanaian population. This study aims to determine the relationship between the ACE I/D polymorphism and the risk of essential hypertension among patients seeking medical attention. Methods: This case-control study was conducted at the Tamale Central Hospital in Ghana. A total of 144 study participants comprising 72 hypertensive patients and 72 normotensive individuals were recruited from May to July 2022. The modified WHO step questionnaire for chronic diseases was used to collect ACE concentrations and electrolytes were estimated and molecular testing conducted using to identify genotypes. To compare continuous variables between two groups and among multiple groups, the Student's t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used respectively. Genotype and allele frequencies were determined through direct counts, while differences in the distribution of alleles and genotypes between groups were estimated using chi-squared test. Results: The distribution of DD genotype and D allele respectively was 26.4% and 54% in hypertensives and 50% and 72% in normotensives. DD genotype significantly increased the risk of hypertension after adjusting for age and BMI (aOR = 8.52, 95% C.I = 1.22–59.6). In the recessive model, the risk of hypertension increased four times in subjects with the DD genotype (aOR = 4.09, 95% CI = 1.28–13.05). ACE levels were significantly elevated among hypertensives compared to controls, but did not significantly differ between the DD genotype and II+ID genotypes among hypertensives and normotensive subjects. Conclusion: The study shows that the presence of the DD genotype is strongly associated with an increased risk of hypertension in the Ghanaian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neonatal sepsis is a clinical emergency that requires sound evaluation supported by accurate laboratory analysis and timely clinical intervention for its management. This study, therefore, was conducted to identify bacteria causing neonatal sepsis and their susceptibility to the commonly prescribed antibiotic at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of a tertiary health care facility in the Northern Region of Ghana. Methods: Neonatal biodata were collected from patient folders, after which identification, isolation, and susceptibility of isolated bacteria to prescribed anti-bacterial (Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method) were carried out on single venipuncture blood samples aseptically drawn from 275 neonates clinically diagnosed with sepsis. Results: 275 neonates took part in the study, of which 218 (79.3%) presented with early-onset sepsis (EOS) and 57 (20.7%) with late-onset sepsis (LOS). The laboratory results confirmed a septicemia prevalence of 70.3% among neonates clinically diagnosed with sepsis. Preterm delivery (P =.01), hypothermia (P =.001), and delivery at the tertiary healthcare facility were significantly associated with EOS (P <.000), while low birth weight (P =.012), duration of hospital stay (P =.001), and delivery at the tertiary healthcare facility (P <.000) were found to be significantly associated with LOS. Gram-positive cocci constituted 54.9% (107), with Gram-negative constituting 45.1% (88) of all the bacteria isolates. Coagulase-negative staphylococcus (CoNS) 70.1% (75) and Klebsiella species 39.8% (35) were the dominant Gram-positive and Gram-negative isolates, respectively. 57.8% and 55.8% of CoNS isolates were susceptible to ampicillin and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, respectively. 93.5% of CoNS and all the isolated Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella species were susceptible to amikacin. Conclusions: Coagulase-negative staphylococcus (CoNS) and Klebsiella species were the predominant Gram-positive and negative sepsis-causing agents at the NICU, respectively. Amikacin exhibited the highest sensitivity to Gram-positive and negative causative agents, making it a strong candidate for consideration in the facility's empirical treatment of neonatal sepsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The 2D:4D ratio is influenced by prenatal testosterone (PT) and estrogen (PE) exposure in utero. This study sought to determine whether evidence of Manning's hypothesis can still be observed even in the postpartum period. We hypothesize that the offspring 2D:4D ratios will be inversely correlated with maternal postpartum circulating testosterone but positively correlated with estradiol. Methods: This study was conducted between December 2020 and April 2021 and was cross‐sectional in nature. There were 272 mother‐offspring pairs; the mothers were aged between 18 and 36 years while the median (IQR) age of their offspring was 111 (44–210) days. Offspring right (2D:4DR) and left (2D:4DL) digit ratios were measured using computer‐assisted analysis. Sampling was done at 111 (44–210) days postpartum and blood was analyzed for total testosterone (TT), estradiol (E2) and sex hormone‐binding globulins using the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay technique. Results: The 2D:4DR of sons was significantly lower compared to daughters (p =.031). Mothers with sons had significantly increased levels of serum TT (p =.001) while mothers with daughters had significantly increased levels of E2 (p =.000). As hypothesized, the maternal serum free testosterone (FT%) was inversely correlated with their daughters' (r = −0.320, p =.003), and also with their sons' (r = −0.213, p =.047), 2D:4DL. Unexpectedly, daughters' 2D:4DL was inversely correlated with maternal circulating free E2 (r = −0.255, p =.015). Conclusions: In humans, evidence of the relationship between maternal testosterone levels and their offspring's 2D:4D ratio may persist even into the postpartum period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Postpartum hematological and anthropometric assessment is a requirement for optimal maternal and child health. The study aimed to determine the relationship between the 2D:4D ratio and postpartum hematological and anthropometric variables in adult females. Methods: The study was cross‐sectional from December 2020 to April 2021 involving 272 postpartum adult females, aged between 18 and 36 years. The right (2D:4DR) and the left (2D:4DL) digit ratios were measured using computer‐assisted analysis. Fasting venous samples were collected at a median (interquartile range) of 111 (44–210) days postpartum and analyzed for total testosterone (TT), estradiol, sex hormone‐binding globulin, and complete blood count. Results: The mean ± standard deviation 2D:4DR and 2D:4DL were 0.94 ± 0.04 and 0.93 ± 0.04, respectively. As expected, the TT (r = −0.198, p =.015) and the free androgen index (FAI: r = −0.186, p =.019) were inversely correlated with the 2D:4DL while free testosterone (FT%: r = −0.157, p =.038) was inversely correlated with the 2D:4DR. The absolute basophile count (BASO: r = −0.124, p =.040) and the Platelet‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR: r = −0.153, p =.016) were inversely correlated with the 2D:4DL and the 2D:4DR respectively. In addition, the mean cell volume was inversely correlated with the 2D:4DR (r = −0.139, p =.024) and the 2D:4DL (r = −0.122, p =.045). Moreover, the 2D:4DR was inversely correlated with height (r = −0.164, p =.007). Unexpectedly, the red blood cell count (RBC: r = 0.138, p =.025) was positively correlated with the 2D:4DR. Conclusion: There are significant relationships between the 2D:4D ratio and postpartum female variables. These findings are useful preliminary reference data for postpartum research and subsequent 2D:4D ratio studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background CD4 testing is the recognized gold standard used to stage HIV/AIDS, guide treatment decisions for HIV-infected persons and evaluate effectiveness of therapy. The need for a less expensive surrogate marker that can be used in resource-limited setting is however necessary. The study sought to assess the suitability of Total lymphocyte count (TLC) as a surrogate marker for CD4 count in resource-limited localities in Ghana. Methods This observational study was conducted at the Central Regional Hospital, which has one of the established antiretroviral therapy centres in Ghana. A total of one hundred and eighty-four (184) confirmed HIV I seropositive subjects were included in the study. Blood samples were taken from all the subjects for estimation of CD4 and total lymphocyte counts. The study subjects were further categorised into three (3) groups according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classification criteria as follows: CD4 counts (1) ≥ 500 cells/mm3 (2) 200–499 cells/mm3 and (3) 3. Positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), sensitivity and specificity of various TLC cut-offs were computed for three groups. Correlation and Receiver Operator Characteristic analysis was performed for the various CD4 counts and their corresponding Total Lymphocyte count obtained. Results The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of TLC 1200 cells/ mm3 to predict CD4 count were 3 72.2%, 100%, 100% and 95.7% respectively. A TLC of 1500 cells/ mm3 was found to have maximal sensitivity (96.67%), specificity (100%), PPV (100%) and NPV (75.0%) for predicting a CD4 cell count of 200–499 cell/mm3. A TLC of 1900 cells/mm3 was also found to have a maximal sensitivity (98.45%), specificity (100%), PPV (100%) and NPV (100%) for predicting CD4 count ≥500 cells/mm3. A positive correlation was noted between 184 paired CD4 and TLC counts (r = 0.5728). Conclusion Total Lymphocyte count can therefore adequately serve as a surrogate marker for CD4 count in HIV patients who are naïve for antiretroviral therapy in resource-limited areas.

Abstract Background Sexuality and its manifestation constitute some of the most complex of human behaviour and its disorders are encountered in community. Sexual dysfunction is more prevalent in women than in men. While studies examining sexual dysfunction among males and females in Ghana exist, there are no studies relating sexual problems in males and females as dyadic units. This study therefore investigated the prevalence and type of sexual disorders among married couples. Method The study participants consisted of married couples between the ages of 19 and 66 living in the province of Kumasi, Ghana. Socio-demographic information and Golombok-Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction (GRISS) questionnaires were administered to 200 couples who consented to take part in the study. All 28 questions of the GRISS are answered on a five-point (Likert type) scale from "always", through "usually', "sometimes", and "hardly ever", to "never". Responses are summed up to give a total raw score ranging from 28-140. The total score and subscale scores are transformed using a standard nine point scale, with high scores indicating greater problems. Scores of five or more are considered to indicate SD. The study was conducted between July and September 2010. Results Out of a total of 200 married couples, 179 completed their questionnaires resulting in a response rate of 89.5%. The mean age of the participating couples as well as the mean duration of marriage was 34.8 ± 8.6 years and 7.8 ± 7.6 years respectively. The husbands (37.1 ± 8.6) were significantly older (p < 0.0001) than their corresponding wives (32.5 ± 7.9). After adjusting for age, 13-18 years of marriage life poses about 10 times significant risk of developing SD compared to 1-6 years of married life among the wives (OR: 10.8; CI: 1.1 - 49.1; p = 0.04). The total scores (6.0) as well as the percentage above the cut-off (59.2) obtained by the husbands compared to the total score (6.2) and the percentage above cut-off (61.5) obtained by the wives, indicates the likely presence of sexual dysfunction. The prevalence of impotence and premature ejaculation were 60.9% and 65.4% respectively from this study and the prevalence of vaginismus and anorgasmia were 69.3% and 74.9% respectively. The highest prevalence of SD subscales among the men was dissatisfaction with sexual act followed by infrequency, whereas the highest among the women was infrequency followed by anorgasmia. Dissatisfaction with sexual intercourse among men correlated positively with anorgasmia and wife's non-sensuality and infrequency of sex. Conclusion The prevalence of sexual dysfunction in married couples is comparable to prevalence rates in the general male and female population and is further worsened by duration of marriage. This could impact significantly on a couple's self-esteem and overall quality of life.

Abstract Background Several medical conditions can affect and disrupt human sexuality. The alteration of sexuality in these medical conditions often hinder effective communication and empathy between the patients and their sexual partners because of cultural attitudes, social norms and negative feelings such as anxiety and guilt. Validated and standardized sexual inventories might therefore help resolve this problem. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to obtain data on the prevalence of male sexual dysfunction (SD) among Ghanaians with various medical conditions residing in Kumasi. Methods The Golombok Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction (GRISS) was administered to 150 Ghanaian men with various medical conditions between 19 and 66 years old (mean ± standard deviation: 40.01 ± 12.32 years) domiciled in the Kumasi metropolis. Results Out of the total 150 questionnaires administered, 105 (70.0%) men returned the questionnaires. Questionnaires from 3 men were incomplete, leaving 102 complete and evaluable questionnaires, indicating a 68.0% response rate. Of the remaining 102 men, 88.2% were married, 70.6% had attained higher education, 88.2% were non-smokers. Whereas 54.9% were engaged in exercise, 61.8% indulged in alcoholic beverages. The prevalence of the various medical conditions include: diabetes (18%), hypertension (24.5%), migraine (11.8%), ulcer (7.8%), surgery (6.9%), STD (3.9) and others (26.5%). The prevalence of SD among the respondents in the study was 59.8%. The highest prevalence of SD was seen among ulcer patients (100%), followed by patients who have undergone surgery (75%), diabetes (70%), hypertension (50%), STD (50%) and the lowest was seen among migraine patients (41.7%). Conclusions SD rate is high among Ghanaian men with medical conditions (about 60%) and vary according to the condition and age.

Abstract Background Sexuality is a complex phenomenon that is being influenced by psychological as well as physiological factors. Its dysfunction includes desire, arousal, orgasmic and sex pain disorders. The present study aimed to assess the incidence of sexual dysfunction (SD) and related risk factors in a cohort of Ghanaian women. Method The Golombok Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction (GRISS) was administered to 400 healthy women between 18 and 58 years old (mean +/- SD: 30.1 +/- 7.9) domiciled in the Kumasi metropolis. Results The response rate was 75.3% after 99 were excluded. Of the remaining 301 women, 50% were engaged in exercise, 26.7% indulge in alcoholic beverages and only 2% were smokers. A total of 62.1% of the women had attained high education, whilst, 28.9% were married. After logistic regression analysis, alcohol emerged (OR: 2.0; CI: 1.0 - 3.8; p = 0.04) as the main risk factor for SD. The overall prevalence of SD in these subjects was 72.8%. Severe difficulties with sexual function were identified in 3.3% of the studied population. The most prevalent areas of difficulty were anorgasmia (72.4%), sexual infrequency (71.4%), dissatisfaction (77.7%), vaginismus (68.1%), avoidance of sexual intercourse (62.5%), non-sensuality (61.5%) and non-communication (54.2%). Whereas 8% had severe difficulties with anorgasmia, only 6% had severe difficulties with vaginismus. Conclusion SD affects more than 70% of Ghanaian women who are sexually active. Alcohol significantly influences sexual activity.

The author name Benedict Boateng has changed to Benedict Boateng Antuamwine. The authors Lawrence Quaye and Zakiya Abdul-Mumin and their affiliations have also been added to the list of authors for this abstract. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Sexuality is a complex phenomenon that is being influenced by psychological as well as physiological factors. Its dysfunction includes desire, arousal, orgasmic and sex pain disorders. The present study aimed to assess the incidence of sexual dysfunction (SD) and related risk factors in a cohort of Ghanaian women. Method: The Golombok Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction (GRISS) was administered to 400 healthy women between 18 and 58 years old (mean +/- SD: 30.1 +/- 7.9) domiciled in the Kumasi metropolis. Results: The response rate was 75.3% after 99 were excluded. Of the remaining 301 women, 50% were engaged in exercise, 26.7% indulge in alcoholic beverages and only 2% were smokers. A total of 62.1% of the women had attained high education, whilst, 28.9% were married. After logistic regression analysis, alcohol emerged (OR: 2.0; CI: 1.0 - 3.8; p = 0.04) as the main risk factor for SD. The overall prevalence of SD in these subjects was 72.8%. Severe difficulties with sexual function were identified in 3.3% of the studied population. The most prevalent areas of difficulty were anorgasmia (72.4%), sexual infrequency (71.4%), dissatisfaction (77.7%), vaginismus (68.1%), avoidance of sexual intercourse (62.5%), non-sensuality (61.5%) and non-communication (54.2%). Whereas 8% had severe difficulties with anorgasmia, only 6% had severe difficulties with vaginismus. Conclusion: SD affects more than 70% of Ghanaian women who are sexually active. Alcohol significantly influences sexual activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Neonates are more susceptible to infections, as well as medication toxicities. This study, therefore, sought to describe the clinical characteristics, medication prescription pattern, and treatment outcomes for neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of a tertiary health-care facility in Ghana., Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted to ascertain clinical records, conditions for admission, spectrum of medications prescribed, and treatment outcomes from neonatal patient folders., Findings: Of 667 folders reviewed (51.4% males and 48.6% female), 61.8% were preterm (mean gestational age: 34.2 ± 3.6 weeks), 64.6% had low birth weight (LBW) (mean birth weight: 2.1 ± 0.9 kg), 90.6% were delivered through spontaneous vaginal delivery, and 57.4% delivered at the tertiary health-care facility. Of the 667 neonates, 70%, 27.1%, and 2.9% were queried with one, two, or three medical conditions, respectively. Respiratory distress, preterm, and pyrexia were common single queried conditions (88.5%). LBW, hypothermia, and single queried medical conditions were associated ( P ≤ 0.0001) with preterm male neonates. The mean duration of stay of preterm neonates was 3.5 ± 3.2 days (term babies: 1-2 days [ P = 0.0085]). Of 1,565 medications prescribed to the 667 neonates, 67.5% were antibacterial, with gentamicin (53.0%) being the most prescribed. 98.4% of neonates were prescribed at least one medication (i.e., 67.5% were prescribed antibacterial medications, 14.6% supplements, 11.0% bronchodilators, and 7.0% antiseizure); mean medication combination 2.6 ± 0.8 per neonate. Majority (75.4%) of the cases reviewed had treatment success., Conclusion: Respiratory distress and preterm deliveries are predominant presenting conditions, with antibacterial medication, mainly gentamicin and ampicillin, on prescription. Treatment success is significantly high at the NICU., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2021 Journal of Research in Pharmacy Practice.)