Explore the vast range of titles available.

The study aimed to determine the relationship between digit ratios among a mother–child population in Ghana. This was a cross-sectional study from December 2020 to April 2021 involving 272 mothers, their daughters (n = 132) and their sons (n = 140). The right (2D:4DR) and the left (2D:4DL) digit ratios were measured using computer-assisted analysis. The data were analysed in SPSS (v23) and GraphPad Prism (v8) at an alpha value of 0.05. The mean ± SD age of the mothers was 23.9 ± 3.67 years while the median (IQR) age of daughters was 116(54–240) days and sons, 134(54–240) days. The mean ± SD 2D:4DR were 0.94 ± 0.04, 0.91 ± 0.04 and 0.90 ± 0.04 respectively for mothers, daughters and sons. The mean ± SD 2D:4DL was 0.93 ± 0.04, for mothers, 0.92 ± 0.05 for daughters and 0.92 ± 0.05 for sons. The daughters and sons showed leftward asymmetry while the mothers showed rightward asymmetry in digit ratios. The 2D:4DR of sons was significantly lower than daughters (P = 0.031). There were negative correlations between the 2D:4DL and age of daughters (r = −0.182, P = 0.043) and sons (r = −0.221, P = 0.012). The 2D:4DR of mothers was positively correlated with that of daughters (r = 0.332, P = 0.000) and that of sons (r = 0.233, P = 0.008). There are significant relationships between digit ratios in a mother–child population.

The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) continues to increase. There is therefore the need for early detection to avert possible adverse outcomes. Several anthropometric methods have been suggested to predict MetS, but no consensus has been reached on which is best. The aim of the study was to explore the comparative abilities of conicity index, body adiposity index, abdominal volume index, body mass index, and waist circumference in predicting cardiometabolic risk among apparently healthy adults in the Tamale metropolis. This study was a cross sectional study conducted from September 2017 to January 2018, among one hundred sixty (160) apparently healthy normoglycemic normotensive adults. A self-designed questionnaire was administered to gather sociodemographic data. Anthropometric and haemodynamic measurements were also taken. Blood samples were collected for fasting blood glucose (FBG) and lipid profile. MetS was classified using the harmonised criteria as indicated by the joint interim statement (JIS). Of 160 participants, 42.5% were male and 57.5% were female. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) associated better with MetS and other cardiovascular risk factors. Generally, BMI and WC showed largest area under curves (AUCs) than abdominal volume index (AVI), body adiposity index (BAI), and conicity index (CI) in predicting MetS and its components. Upon gender stratification, AVI and CI had the larger AUCs in females whiles BMI remained the superior index in males. Whiles BMI and WC remained useful parameters, they were not useful in predicting MetS and its components in the female population in this study.

Background/Aim Immune tolerance in the fetal–maternal junction is maintained by a balance in the Th1/Th2 system. Th1‐type immunity is associated with pro‐inflammatory cytokines and immune checkpoint molecules (ICMs) such as B7‐H1, while Th2‐type immunity is characterized by anti‐inflammatory cytokines and ICMs such as B7‐1. Any imbalance in the Th1/Th2 immune system may lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes such as pre‐eclampsia (PE). Hitherto, the potential of serum B7‐1 and B7‐H1 proteins as early markers of PE has not been explored in the Ghanaian population. Materials and Methods This was a case–control study from May 2020 to April 2022 at the War Memorial and the Upper East Regional Hospitals. The study involved 291 women, including 180 (61.9%) with normotensive pregnancy and 111 (38.1%) with PE. Venous blood samples were collected and assayed for blood cell count, serum interleukins (ILs)‐4, ‐6, ‐12, ‐18, and TNF‐α as well as serum B7‐1 and B7‐H1 proteins. Results The monocyte count (p = .007), the serum levels of IL‐18 (p = .035), TNF‐α (p = .001), and B7‐H1 (p = .006) were significantly higher in PE than in normotensive pregnancy. In addition, the monocyte count (p = .002), the serum levels of IL‐12 (p = .029), TNF‐α (p = .016), and B7‐1 (p = .009) levels were significantly higher in the third trimester than the second trimester PE. In predicting PE, the area under the curve of cytokines and ICMs ranged from 0.51 for IL‐6 to 0.62 for TNF‐α. Conclusion PE may be characterized by a dominant Th1‐type immunity with higher levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and B7‐H1 proteins, but these variables may not be suitable for predicting PE. There are changes in serum cytokines and immune checkpoint molecules B7‐1 and B7‐H1 in pre‐eclampsia (PE). However, these changes are not predictive of PE.

Bacterial meningitis is a public health crisis in the northern part of Ghana, where it contributes to very high mortality and morbidity rates. Early detection of the causative organism will lead to better management and effective treatment. Our aim was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of Pastorex and Wellcogen latex agglutination tests for the detection of bacterial meningitis in a resource-limited setting. CSF samples from 330 suspected meningitis patients within the northern zone of Ghana were analysed for bacterial agents at the zonal Public Health Reference Laboratory in Tamale using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and two latex agglutination test kits; Pastorex and Wellcogen. The overall positivity rate of samples tested for bacterial meningitis was 46.4%. Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most common cause of bacterial meningitis within the sub-region, with positivity rate of 25.2%, 28.2% and 28.8% when diagnosed using Wellcogen, Pastorex and PCR respectively. The Pastorex method was 97.4% sensitive while the Wellcogen technique was 87.6% sensitive. Both techniques however produced the same specificity of 99.4%. Our study revealed that the Pastorex method has a better diagnostic value for bacterial meningitis than the Wellcogen method and should be the method of choice in the absence of PCR.

Background and Aims Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is often linked to oxidative stress resulting from lipid peroxidation and complications such as diabetic retinopathy, neuropathy, nephropathy, and ketoacidosis (DKA), which may manifest differently based on sex. However, the specific relationship between diabetic complications and markers of oxidative stress in relation to sex remains uncertain. This study seeks to elucidate sex‐based variances in the association between oxidative stress markers and diabetic complications among individuals with T2DM in the Ghanaian population. Methods This study was conducted between July and December 2022 at the Tamale Teaching Hospital. The study involved 55 T2DM patients, comprising: no complications = 13; DKA = 13; neuropathy = 6; nephropathy = 14; and retinopathy = 9. The patients were aged between 20 and 55 years. Single fasting (8–10 h) venous blood samples were collected and analyzed for total cholesterol (TCHOL), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) using an automated biochemistry analyzer and ELISA technique. Results While no significant sex differences were found in complication prevalence, notable disparities emerged in glycemic and oxidative stress markers. Males with DKA exhibited higher MDA levels compared to females, while females with retinopathy had lower MDA levels than males. Additionally, males with DKA showed higher GSH_Px levels than females, while no significant differences were observed between sexes without complications, and males with DKA and retinopathy tended to have lower HDL‐C levels compared to females. Conclusion While no significant differences in complication prevalence were observed between sexes, our findings revealed notable sex disparities in glycemic and oxidative stress markers. These results indicate the importance of considering sex‐specific factors in understanding the pathogenesis and management of diabetic complications.

The second‐to‐fourth digit ratio (2D:4D) is the putative marker of prenatal hormone exposure. The 2D:4D ratio or the right–left difference (Dr‐l) are said to be negative and positive correlates, respectively, of circulating testosterone and estrogen in both adult males and females. However, previous studies on the subject have reported mixed results. This study aimed to determine the sex‐moderated relationship between the 2D:4D ratio and adult circulating testosterone, estradiol, testosterone‐to‐estradiol ratio and the free androgen index. This was a cross‐sectional study from January to June 2021 at the University for Development Studies, Ghana. The study involved 62 participants (Female = 28; Male = 34), aged between 20 and 26 years. The right (2D:4DR), the left (2D:4DL), and their difference (Dr‐l) were measured by computer‐assisted analysis. Fasting venous samples were assayed for total testosterone (T), estradiol (E2), and sex hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG) using ELISA. The free androgen index (FAI) was then calculated (T/SHBG) and the data were analyzed using moderated and/or weighted regression. Males had significantly higher T and FAI than females while females had significantly higher E2 than males, which were independent of age and body mass index (p < 0.001). There was a significant SEX*Dr‐l interaction on FAI (p = 0.007). The Dr‐l correlated negatively with FAI in males but positively in females and accounted for about 94.0% of the variability of FAI in males (adjR2 = 0.940) and only 0.2% in females (adjR2 = 0.002). The 2D:4D ratio, a putative marker of prenatal hormone exposure, may have an impact on sex differences in adult free androgen index. The relationship between the index of prenatal hormone exposure (2D:4D) and the free androgen index is moderated by sex.

The 2D:4D ratio is the putative marker of prenatal hormone exposure and has been suggested as a correlate of adult circulating testosterone and estrogen. The study aimed to determine whether sexual dimorphism in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) can be partly explained by the 2D:4D ratio or adult circulating testosterone or estrogen. The study was cross‐sectional from June to December 2021 at the University for Development Studies. The study involved 206 healthy adults (Female = 93, Male = 113) between 18 and 30 years. The 2D:4D ratio was measured using computer‐assisted analysis. Venous blood samples were collected and analyzed for testosterone, estradiol and creatinine using the ELISA technique and routine biochemical analysis. The adjusted eGFR was calculated using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD‐EPI) creatinine equation (2021). The eGFR and the testosterone‐to‐estradiol ratio (TT:E2) were significantly higher in males than in females (p < 0.001). There was a significant interaction between sex and the TT:E2 on the eGFR (p < 0.001). Although the relationship between the eGFR and the TT:E2 was negative in both males and females, a unit change in the TT:E2 had a greater impact on the eGFR in females (B = −1.38) than in males (B = −0.01). Sexual dimorphism in the eGFR is influenced by both testosterone and estradiol. Although the sex difference in the eGFR may be influenced by the TT:E2, estrogen seems to account for more variability in the eGFR than testosterone. The testosterone‐to‐estradiol ratio may partly account for the sexual dimorphism in the estimated glomerular filtration rate among healthy adults.

Background and Aims Preeclampsia poses a heightened risk for women, particularly in the development of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome, leading to adverse outcomes for both mothers and newborns. The incidence of HELLP syndrome tends to be notably higher among women with preeclampsia compared with those with normotensive pregnancies. However, there is a dearth of research on the frequency of HELLP syndrome within the context of preeclampsia specifically in Ghana. Furthermore, the potential predictive value of serum erythrocyte adenylate kinase (EAK), a marker of hemolysis, in anticipating the onset of preeclampsia remains largely unexplored. Methods Conducted between May 2020 and April 2022, this research employed a case‐control methodology at the War Memorial and Upper East Regional Hospitals. A total of 291 pregnant women participated, comprising 111 diagnosed with preeclampsia and 180 control subjects, aged between 18 and 43 years. Venous blood samples were collected and subjected to analysis for platelet count, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and EAK, utilizing automated analyzers, alongside the ELISA technique. Diagnosis of HELLP syndrome was established using the Mississippi triple‐class definition. Results The median serum ALT level (with interquartile range) was significantly elevated in the preeclampsia group compared with controls [20.0 (13.7–27.0) vs. 13.0 (9.4–18.6); p < 0.001]. Moreover, the frequency of Mississippi class 3 HELLP syndrome was notably higher among preeclampsia cases (2/111; 1.8%) compared with controls (1/180; 0.6%). Serum ALT emerged as the superior predictor of preeclampsia, outperforming LDH (with an area under the curve of 0.73 compared with 0.58). The sensitivity and specificity of ALT were measured at 47.8% and 87.2%, respectively. Conclusion Although the occurrence of HELLP syndrome in preeclampsia cases appears relatively low, it may escalate as the prevalence of preeclampsia is anticipated to rise in low and middle‐income nations.

Background and Aims Hyperglycemia is a known risk factor for retinopathy. With diabetes cases expected to increase from 366 million in 2011 to 552 million by 2030, the global burden of retinopathy may rise. Given this observation, more attention is focused on glycaemic determinants of retinopathy to the neglect of non‐glycaemic factors, particularly in Ghana. However, genetic and environmental variations may highlight the importance of non‐glycaemic factors as determinants of retinopathy. Methods This case‐control study was conducted between January and August 2024 at the Emmanuel Eye Medical Center in Accra, Ghana. The study involved 160 participants aged between 34 and 81 years. Of the 160 participants, 80 (50%) were diagnosed with retinopathy. Fasting venous blood samples were collected and analyzed for glycaemic factors, including fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and non‐glycaemic factors, including fasting lipids and complete blood count indices. Results Results showed that the FBG (8.4 ± 2.6 vs. 6.3 ± 1.6, p < 0.001) and HbA1c (6.3 ± 1.6 vs. 6.3 ± 1.4, p < 0.001) levels were higher in the retinopathy. After adjusting for age and BMI, persons with hyperglycemia had about four‐fold greater odds of developing retinopathy [AOR = 4.378 (95% CI: 2.212–8.666)]. In comparison, persons with poor glycaemic control had about two‐fold greater odds of developing retinopathy [AOR = 2.499 (1.298–4.813)]. Only FBG and HbA1c reached statistical significance in operator characteristics curve analysis, with the area under the curve, sensitivity, and specificity at 0.75, 87.5, 56.3 and 0.79, 76.3, and 78.8, respectively. A significant sex difference between sex and retinopathy was only observed in the red blood cell count. Conclusion Glycaemic factors are more strongly associated with retinopathy than non‐glycaemic factors. Early screening should prioritize glycaemic factors while considering non‐glycaemic factors due to genetic and environmental variations in retinopathy development.

There was a significant interaction between sex and the 2D:4DR on platelet count. The relationship between platelet count and the 2D:4DR was negative in females but positive in males. There was a significant interaction between sex and right‐left difference (Dr‐l) on hemoglobin concentration. The relationship between hemoglobin and the Dr‐l was positive in females but negative in males. Prenatal hormone exposure may partly account for the observed sex differences in platelet count and hemoglobin levels in adulthood.