Detecting, Characterizing, and Mitigating Implicit and Explicit Racial Biases in Health Care Datasets With Subgroup Learnability: Algorithm Development and Validation Study.

Background: The growing adoption of diagnostic and prognostic algorithms in health care has led to concerns about the perpetuation of algorithmic bias against disadvantaged groups of individuals. Deep learning methods to detect and mitigate bias have revolved around modifying models, optimization strategies, and threshold calibration with varying levels of success and tradeoffs. However, there have been limited substantive efforts to address bias at the level of the data used to generate algorithms in health care datasets.

Physicochemical, Microbial, and Nutritional Evaluation of Tiger Nut Yogurt as a Plant-Based Alternative to Conventional Dairy Yogurt.

The growing demand for plant-based dairy alternatives, driven by increasing lactose intolerance and dairy allergies, has sparked interest in underutilized crops such as tiger nut (). This study assessed the physicochemical, microbial, and compositional properties of tiger nut yogurt with (TMYS) and without (TMYNS) starter culture, compared to conventional cow milk yogurt (CMY). The CMY exhibited the highest pH (4.

Overview of the host immune response to malaria.

The host immune response to malaria is a complex interplay between the parasite, Plasmodium, and the human immune system. Upon infection, various components of the immune system, including innate and adaptive responses, are mobilized to combat the parasite. Innate immunity provides the initial defense, with cells such as macrophages, dendritic cells, and natural killer cells recognizing and responding to the parasite.

Diagnostic approach to glomerular diseases: integrating clinical, laboratory, and histopathological assessments.

Background: Glomerular diseases are a significant contributor to chronic kidney disease globally, accounting for up to 30% of end-stage kidney disease cases. Diagnostic accuracy is crucial for appropriate management but remains challenging, especially in low-resource settings.

Objective: Our paper addresses the diagnostic approach to glomerular diseases by integrating clinical evaluation, laboratory findings, imaging techniques, and histopathological assessments.

Economic, socio-emotional, and food security conditions during COVID-19 pandemic among caregivers of young adolescents aged 10-12 yrs in a semi-urban setting in Ghana.

Background Few studies have described the consequences of the COVID - 19 pandemic among caregivers of young adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa. We aimed to explore the consequences of COVID-19 on economic, socio-emotional, and household food security conditions among caregivers of young adolescents in a semi-urban setting in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Methods In this cross-sectional study, caregivers of young adolescents aged 10-12yrs in the Somanya-Kpong area were enrolled.

Gallstone Ileus Mimicking a Colonic Tumor: A Case Report.

Introduction: Gall stone ileus is a rare complication of cholelithiasis which typically presents with obstruction in the small intestine. However, it can rarely mimic a mass when it presents in unusual sites like the sigmoid colon as in our case.

Case Presentation: We present a 42-year-old woman with a history of bariatric surgery, diverticulitis status post sigmoid colectomy and decompensated cirrhosis complicated by hepatic encephalopathy who presented to the hospital with concern for altered mental status and was diagnosed with grade III hepatic encephalopathy due to lactulose non adherence.

Anticipated First Contact and Time to Seek Healthcare for Possible Breast Cancer Symptoms: A Cross-Sectional Study in Rural Ghana.

Background: Breast cancer is a serious public health concern in Ghana. This study investigated the anticipated healthcare-seeking behaviour and preferences of women for possible breast cancer symptoms. Specifically, the study examined women's first point of contact as well as the timeliness of seeking healthcare for possible breast cancer symptoms.

Microbial Load and Diversity of Bacteria in Wild Animal Carcasses Sold as Bushmeat in Ghana.

The demand for wild animal meat, popularly called "bushmeat", serves as a driving force behind the emergence of infectious diseases, potentially transmitting a variety of pathogenic bacteria to humans through handling and consumption. This study investigated the microbial load and bacterial diversity in bushmeat sourced from a prominent bushmeat market in Kumasi, Ghana. Carcasses of 61 wild animals, including rodents (44), antelopes (14), and African civets (3), were sampled for microbiological analysis.

Elucidating the Complex Structural and Molecular Mechanisms Driving P-Glycoprotein-Mediated Transport of Cardiac Glycosides.

P-glycoprotein (Pgp) plays a significant role in the disposition of cardiac glycoside (CG) drugs across the cell membrane. The relatively narrow therapeutic indices of these drugs, coupled with the co-administration of drugs that inhibit Pgp's transport mechanism, often cause an increased level of CG in the patient's plasma, resulting in fatal arrhythmia. Therefore, understanding the underlying mechanism of the CG-Pgp interaction is necessary to circumvent Pgp-mediated transport and effectively design next-generation CGs.

Usability, acceptability, and cost of the SD BIOLINE Ov16 rapid diagnostic test for onchocerciasis surveillance in endemic communities in the middle belt of Ghana.

Background: Previous studies in the Bono Region (middle belt) of Ghana have reported persistent Onchocerca volvulus infection and associated morbidities after nearly three decades of ivermectin treatment. This study aimed to assess the usability, acceptability, and cost of the Ov16 SD BIOLINE rapid diagnostic test (Ov16 RDT) in onchocerciasis surveillance activities in the middle belt of Ghana.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 6 endemic communities in the Tain District and Wenchi Municipality.

Overcoming Barriers to Developing and Implementing Novel Therapies for Hypertension.

Hypertension is the single most important modifiable risk factor for preventable disability and death worldwide and disproportionately affects socially disadvantaged populations. We face a paradox-blood pressure control is low and recent trends suggest it is even declining, despite the availability of inexpensive and effective therapies. A variety of barriers on the system, patient, and healthcare provider side hinder effective drug-based risk factor management.

Impact of hemoparasite load on hematological, biochemical, and immunological parameters in ISA Brown laying hens in southern Togo.

Background: One of the major causes of economic losses in layer hen farming in Togo is the infestation of these birds by hemoparasites.

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of hemoparasites in laying hens and assess their impact on hematological, biochemical, and immunological parameters.

Materials And Methods: The study was conducted in southern Togo, specifically in the localities of Vo, Ave, and Golf.

Delayed vs. Concomitant Urethrectomy for Non-Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma of the Urinary Bladder Undergoing Radical Cystectomy: Perioperative and Survival Outcomes from a Single Tertiary Centre in the United Kingdom.

The role of urethrectomy at the time of Robotic-Assisted or Open Radical Cystectomy (RARC, ORC) is controversial. Whether urethrectomy should be performed at the time of RARC/ORC or delayed up to a 3-6 month interval is unclear. We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of perioperative and survival outcomes in patients with high-risk NMIBCs or non-metastatic MIBCs at our institution who underwent either concomitant or deferred urethrectomy after RC.

Neurosurgery Resident Applicant Research Evaluation: Leveling the Playing Field.

Background: Neurosurgery residency is highly competitive, with applicants increasingly emphasizing research to strengthen their applications. This has led to a rise in publications but also to applicant anxiety and concerns about exaggerated contributions. To ensure fair assessment, we developed a scoring system that considers authorship position and journal impact factor for a more precise evaluation of research contributions in neurosurgery applications.

Alcoholic Use Disorder Outcomes After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass in Patients Taking GLP-1 RAs: A Multicenter Analysis.

Objective: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) has been linked with increased alcohol-related outcomes, whereas glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have been associated with reduced risks. We performed the first multicenter retrospective cohort study to identify alcohol use outcomes of GLP-1 RAs post RYGB.

Methods: Using TriNetX, adults (≥ 18 years old) with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m) who underwent RYGB between January 1, 2019, and May 31, 2023, were identified.

Dose-ranging and further therapeutic evaluation of a bicistronic humanized TrkB-BDNF gene therapy for glaucoma in rodents.

Background: Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness, characterized by the progressive degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Activation of the Tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) pathway by mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor (mBDNF) has emerged as a promising neuroprotective strategy, given its critical role in promoting RGC survival in preclinical models.

Methods: We advanced the development of a bicistronic adeno-associated viral (AAV) gene therapy vector engineered to co-express human TrkB and mBDNF.

A missing enzyme-rescue metabolite as cause of a rare skeletal dysplasia.

Living cells depend on an intricate network of chemical reactions catalysed by enzymes, which sometimes make mistakes that lead to their inactivation. Here we report a metabolite-based mechanism for preserving enzyme function in an unfavourable environment. We found that the enzyme TGDS produces UDP-4-keto-6-deoxyglucose, a mimic of the reaction intermediate of the enzyme UXS1, which regenerates the essential cofactor NAD within the catalytic pocket of UXS1 by completing its catalytic cycle.

Inflammatory Markers are Associated with Ischemic Stroke among Indigenous Africans: Evidence from the SIREN Study.

Background: Inflammation might predispose to worse outcomes after an ischemic stroke. This has not been characterized among indigenous Africans.

Purpose: We investigated the association between inflammatory biomarkers, stroke severity, and outcomes in Africans.

Toxicity of Commonly Used Plasticizers to the Freshwater Organisms Tilapia sparrmanii (Fish) and Caridina nilotica (Shrimp): Lethal and Sublethal Effects.

The toxicity of microplastics in aquatic environments is usually due to plasticizers, the chemical additives that keep the plastic polymers together. Thus, the current study reports on the toxicity of three common plasticizers found in freshwater ecosystems and their impacts on two South African freshwater organisms at the organismal and biochemical levels. Tilapia sparrmanii (fish) and Caridina nilotica (shrimp) were exposed to varying concentrations of the test plasticizers, including bisphenol-A (BPA), calcium stearate (CAS), and dibutyl phthalate (DBP).

Telehealth services for acute diseases management: principles, trends and challenges in selected health facilities in the greater Accra region, Ghana.

Background: The health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 have welcomed the introduction of technology into healthcare delivery, desalinating the accessibility to healthcare delivery. With the recent outbreak of the COVID-19, telehealth services have been the preferred means of service delivery to a wider population in settings where the physician-to-patient ratio is low. The study's objective is to investigate the principles, trends and challenges of using telehealth services for acute disease management in some hospitals within the Greater Accra region of Ghana.

The evolution of personalized stroke thrombectomy.

Stroke is a leading cause of disability and death worldwide, with acute ischemic stroke accounting for most cases. Mechanical thrombectomy is a widely accepted treatment modality in appropriately selected patients, demonstrating improved functional outcomes through safe and effective recanalization. However, traditional trials have focused on a narrow subset of patients, limiting its applicability to diverse populations who would otherwise benefit from thrombectomy.

Discomforting sensations associated with self-induced ear care experiences among patients visiting the ear, nose, and throat clinic in Ghana.

Self-induced ear care is considered a bad practice and is associated with several complications. Usually, it consists of activities and habits that an individual adopts with the view of self-treating and maintaining the cleanliness of the ears. Most patients in Ghana who report to the hospital with ear conditions often mention self-initiated ear care at home prior to their hospital visit.

Evaluation of Health Information Management students' internship program: A mixed methods study.

Background: Internship programs are essential for bridging the gap between theoretical education and practical application. They equip students with the practical skills, relevant knowledge, and professional networks necessary for career success. This study explores the experiences of Health Information Management (HIM) stakeholders, including faculty, interns, and hospital supervisors in Ghana.

Pharmacokinetic Interactions Between Ethanol and PT150, a Selective Glucocorticoid Receptor Antagonist, in Healthy Volunteers.

Objectives: PT150, a novel competitive glucocorticoid receptor antagonist, is hypothesized to be a potential treatment for alcohol use disorder, with safety studies as an important first step for medication development. We aimed to assess PT150 safety and tolerability, including impact on pharmacokinetics when administered concomitantly with ethanol in healthy participants.

Methods: This nonrandomized, single-site, drug-drug interaction study of PT150, coadministered with oral ethanol (alcohol beverage), was conducted at the Michael E.

Predicting Bone Metastasis in Prostate Cancer Patients Using Total Serum Prostate-Specific Antigen and Serum Alkaline Phosphatase: Model Development, Validation, and Deployment as a Digital Risk Estimator.

Introduction This study addresses the global controversy over routine bone scans for newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients, focusing on the Ghanaian population. It aims to assess the predictive value of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) for bone metastasis and the role of serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in enhancing prediction. Methods This study was conducted at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital over 14 months and included 258 treatment-naïve prostate cancer patients.