ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Heavy metals contaminations of soil and water at Agbogbloshie Scrap Market, Accra

The levels of heavy metals contaminations of both soil and water were investigated at Agbogbloshie scrap market, Accra between December, 2011 and September, 2012. Seven different heavy metals (Zn, Cr, Cu, Cd, Pb, Co and Ni) were measured in eight (8) sampling sites namely 101 (burning site with no disposal), 102 (burning but no disposal), 103 (Big lagoon), 104 (small lagoon), 105 (dismantling site), 106 (no burning or disposal site), 107 (disposal site but no burning) and 108 (disposal and burning site). The sampling sites were considered because of the dismantling and burning of the electronic products to recover metals. Eighteen (18) soil samples and six (6) water samples were used for the study. The soils and water samples collected from the different sites were analyzed at Ecological laboratory of the University of Ghana, Legon. Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) was used for the determination of the heavy metals in the soil and water samples. The mean concentrations of soil samples ranged from 173.60 to 899.90, 9.57 to 57.73, 226.80 to 6291.33, 3.47 to 13.80, 127.83 to 1392.67, 17.03 to 64.43 and 6.47 to 62.53 (mg/kg dry weight) for Zn, Cr, Cu, Cd, Pb, Co and Ni respectively. The contamination levels of Zn, Cu and Pb were high while the rest of the metals (Cr, Cd, Co and Ni) in the soil samples were low. Zn and Pb concentrations exceeded the Dutch target values (Zn: 140 mg/kg and Pb: 85 mg/kg) in all the sampling sites. Their concentrations in site 101 (Zn: 810.53 mg/kg and Pb: 1392.67 mg/kg), 102 (Zn: 899.90 mg/kg and Pb: 642.27 mg/kg) and 105 (Zn: 860.17 mg/kg and Pb: 706.60 mg/kg) were higher than the Dutch intervention values (Zn: 720 mg/kg and Pb: 530 mg/kg). Cu concentration in all the soil samples exceeded the concentration admitted by the Dutch guidelines of the new Dutch list. The Cu concentrations in all the sampling sites for the soils were high. The mean values of the water samples ranged from 0.039 to 0.060, 0 to 0.012, 0.007 to 0.019, 0.069 to 0.074 and 0 to 0.23 (mg/L) for Zn, Cu, Cd, Co and Ni respectively. No Cr and Pb were detected in all the water samples, an indication of lower instrumental detection limit. It was noted that the dismantling and burning of the electronic products to recover metals had a direct impact on the concentrations of the heavy metals determined.

Source: KNUST
Heavy metals content and phytochemicals in some seasonings in Kumasi Metropolis (Ghana) on June, 2010.

Seasonings are flavour and taste enhancers that are used sparingly but frequently in Ghanaian meals. They contain some phytochemicals that are beneficial to man. Seasonings may be contaminated by heavy metals during cultivation, processing and handling. There is therefore the need to ascertain the safety of the seasonings consumed in Ghana. Thirty two (32) flavour enhancers were purchased from Asafo, railway and central markets in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) levels were measured using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry and mercury (Hg) was determined by Cold Vapour Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. Phytochemical screening was performed using standard screening methods. In unmixed seasonings, Fe ranged from 19.4mg/kg to 971.40mg/kg, Zn was from 2.40mg/kg to 34.60mg/kg, Cu was from 0.9mg/kg to 10.10mg/kg, Cd was from ND to 0.9mg/kg (ND- not detectable) and Pb ranged from 0.6mg/kg to 1.8mg/kg. In mixed seasonings, concentration ranged from 83.36mg/kg to 480.82mg/kg for Fe, 1.72mg/kg to 26.78mg/kg for Zn, 1.73mg/kg to 7.70mg/kg for Cu, ND to 0.06mg/kg for Cd and 0.63mg/kg to 1.39mg/kg for Pb. Bouillon cubes had metal levels in the ranges of 9.66mg/kg to 52.45mg/kg for Fe, 0.83mg/kg to 8.93mg/kg for Zn, 0.66mg/kg to 3.59mg/kg for Cu, ND to 0.06mg/kg for Cd and 0.37mg/kg to 2.18mg/kg for Pb. Hg was not detectable in all seasonings. Positive and negative correlations were obtained between metals in some of the seasonings. The results indicated that Fe, Zn and Cu were below permissible levels whereas Pb and Cd were above permissible levels. However, it is unlikely for a person to consume amounts of seasoning in a day that will exceed the RDA for each metal. This suggests that intake of the seasonings will have negligible health effects on consumers. In the phytochemicals screening, 25% of all the seasonings contained saponins, 44% had coumarins, 9% had alkaloids and 25% were found to contain terpenoids. The seasonings may have health benefits in addition to their organoleptic properties due the presence of these phytochemicals.

Source: KNUST
Heavy metals pollution profiles in streams serving the Owabi reservoir

Water samples from five sampling points on four rivers, Owabi, Akyeampomene, Pumpunase and Sukobri, representing the main streams serving the Owabi reservoir were analysed for some pollution indicators using standard methods. Heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Mn, Cu, Pb and As) concentrations and some physical parameters of the water samples were determined. Electrical conductivity and pH of waters from all the streams were found to be within the acceptable limits of the World Health Organization (WHO). All the streams showed high turbidity values above WHO limits. Of the heavy metals determined in the water samples, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu concentrations in all the streams were within the acceptable WHO limits, whiles Pb and As appeared to be higher than the acceptable limits in all the streams. The highest concentrations of most of the heavy metals were recorded at the Kronum site on Owabi stream. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between pH and some metals at all the sample points (p = 0.05). The results showed that all the streams were polluted and must be treated before consumption. It was also recommended that, human activities within the catchments should be monitored closely to minimise their polluting impacts on the water quality.

Source: KNUST
Hedging Longevity Risk using Longevity Swaps: A case study of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT)

E ective management of longevity risk is essential for every institution which is exposed to longevity risk. De ned bene t schemes in Ghana are especially exposed to longevity risk due to increasing life expectancy in Ghana. In this study we explore a hypothetical hedging strategy based on longevity swaps for the SSNIT pension scheme. We use the Cairns-Blake-Dowd model to forecast future mortality rates of pensioners from age 71 to 90. With the forecasted mortality rates we designed longevity swap contract whereby realized mortality rates would be swapped with the forecasted expected mortality rates. The payout structure under the swap ensures that the SSNIT's liability is completely hedged against longevity risk.

Source: KNUST
Height and sex estimation using percutaneous humeral length among Ghanaians

Introduction: Humerus is a long bone that contributes significantly to the total height of an individual. It is sexually dimorphic and is a well-preserved bone postmortem. Height and sex are essential in establishing one’s identity and can be estimated from long bones when standing height cannot be easily obtained. Previous studies report that sex and height are population-specific. Hence, the present study sought to establish the relationship between percutaneous humeral lengths and height and formulate models for height and sex determination for the Ghanaian population. Materials and methods: Measurement of standing height and percutaneous humeral lengths were taken from 286 Ghanaian consented participants with no noticeable lower and upper extremities traumas or pathologies. The data was analysed using Microsoft Excel 2013 and SPSS version 23.0 edition. Correlation analysis was done to determine the correlation of the percutaneous humeral length with height, linear regression and binary logistic analyses were used to derive equations for predicting height and sex from percutaneous humeral length. An independent samples t-test was used to determine the means between males and females, left and right percu taneous humeral lengths. Results: There was a strong positive correlation between standing height and left (r = 0.774) and right (r=0.759) humeral lengths. The left humeral length regression equation was a good height estimator in males (75.4%) and females (71.%). The left and right humeral lengths best predicted the sex for the population, with an accuracy of 78.0% and 77.8% for males and 53.8% and 54.6% for females, respectively. Conclusion: This study has added to the limited data on the use of percutaneous humeral length as a substitute for the determination of standing height and sex in the Ghanaian population, and it is also a significant identification tool which can be employed in the field of forensic anthropometry.

Source: KNUST
Helicobacter pylori Coinfection Is Associated With Decreased Markers of Immune Activation in ART-Naive HIV-Positive and in HIV-Negative Individuals in Ghana

Background. Helicobacter pylori coinfection in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients has been associated with higher CD4+ cell counts and lower HIV-1 viral loads, with the underlying mechanisms being unknown. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of H. pylori infection on markers of T-cell activation in HIVpositive and HIV-negative individuals. Methods. In a cross-sectional, observational study, HIV patients (n = 457) and HIV-negative blood donors (n = 79) presenting to an HIV clinic in Ghana were enrolled. Data on clinical and sociodemographic parameters, CD4+/CD8+ T-cell counts, and HIV-1 viral load were recorded. Helicobacter pylori status was tested using a stool antigen test. Cell surface and intracellular markers related to T-cell immune activation and turnover were quantified by flow cytometry and compared according to HIV and H. pylori status. Results. Helicobacter pylori infection was associated with decreased markers of CD4+ T-cell activation (HLADR+ CD38+CD4+; 22.55% vs 32.70%; P = .002), cell proliferation (Ki67; 15.10% vs 26.80%; P = .016), and immune exhaustion (PD-1; 32.45% vs 40.00%; P = .005) in 243 antiretroviral therapy (ART)–naive patients, but not in 214 patients on ART. In HIV-negative individuals, H. pylori infection was associated with decreased frequencies of activated CD4+ and CD8+ T cells (6.31% vs 10.40%; P = .014 and 18.70% vs 34.85%, P = .006, respectively). Conclusions. Our findings suggest that H. pylori coinfection effectuates a systemic immune modulatory effect with decreased T-cell activation in HIV-positive, ART-naive patients but also in HIV-negative individuals. This findingmight, in part, explain the observed association of H. pylori infection with favorable parameters of HIV disease progression. Clinical Trials Registration. Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01897909.

Source: KNUST
Helminth and Plasmodium Falciparum Infections among Inhabitants of the Tono Irrigation Catchment Area in the Upper East Region

In Northern Ghana the Tono Dam is one of the major irrigational facilities constructed for dry season farming, serving as water source for domestic, livestock and for other farming purposes. However, the construction of irrigational facilities has generally been documented to cause an increase in parasitic infections due to the creation of ideal environmental conditions for the proliferation of the vectors of these infections. Between May 2011 to February 2012, a total of 333 people in five communities (Bonia, Yogbania/Yigbwania, Kwarania, Gia and Gaani) within the Tono Irrigational Area of the Kassena Nankana District of the Upper East Region of Ghana were studied for parasitic infections (mainly malaria, schistosomiasis and hookworm). An overall prevalence of 10.7% was found in the study population, with S. mansoni, S. haematobium, hookworm and Plasmodium sp being the main types of parasites identified. Although multiple infections were recorded, none of the subjects had all four parasitic infections identified. S. mansoni was one of two most widespread infections (found in all the five communities studied) with a prevalence of 19.22% and mean intensity of 6.14(+/-1.35) eggs/g of stool, followed by Plasmodium sp , also found in all five communities, with a prevalence of 5.11% and a mean density of 299.6 (+/-115.86 ) parasites/uL of blood. S. haematobium infections followed in terms of distribution, found in four of the five study communities with a prevalence of 1.50% and a mean intensity of 4.67(+/- 2.73) eggs/10mL of urine Hookworm was the least widespread parasite, found in only two of the communities, with an overall prevalence of 0.90% and a mean intensity of 5.5(+- 2.50) eggs/g of stool. S. mansoni infection was of the highest prevalence (27.27%) at Yogbania/Yigbwania with Bonia recording the least of 12.31%. Malaria had the next highest prevalence, with Kwarania recording the highest prevalence of 11.7% as against 1.30% recorded in Yogbania/Yigbwania (representing the least prevalence of malaria). S. haematobium infection was recorded in all communities except Gia. Among the four communities in which it was found, Bonia recorded the highest prevalence of 4.62% with the least value recorded in Yugbania/Yigbwania (1.30%). Factors such as contact with the canals or the dam itself, which serve as reservoirs of infection and lack of knowledge on the causes and prevention of these parasitic infections among many others such as inadequate protective gear usage during farming were identified as the major reasons for such rates of infection as recorded in this study. Correlation analysis showed Hb levels were not affected by infection with these parasites, however a very low Hb value of 6.6 g/dl was recorded in a female infected with both malaria and S. mansoni. A more concerted/ health education effort is therefore necessary in order to curb these rates of infections in the communities within the irrigated area.

Source: KNUST
Height and sex estimation using percutaneous humeral length among Ghanaians

Introduction: Humerus is a long bone that contributes significantly to the total height of an individual. It is sexually dimorphic and is a well-preserved bone postmortem. Height and sex are essential in establishing one’s identity and can be estimated from long bones when standing height cannot be easily obtained. Previous studies report that sex and height are population-specific. Hence, the present study sought to establish the relationship between percutaneous humeral lengths and height and formulate models for height and sex determination for the Ghanaian population. Materials and methods: Measurement of standing height and percutaneous humeral lengths were taken from 286 Ghanaian consented participants with no noticeable lower and upper extremities traumas or pathologies. The data was analysed using Microsoft Excel 2013 and SPSS version 23.0 edition. Correlation analysis was done to determine the correlation of the percutaneous humeral length with height, linear regression and binary logistic analyses were used to derive equations for predicting height and sex from percutaneous humeral length. An independent samples t-test was used to determine the means between males and females, left and right percutaneous humeral lengths. Results: There was a strong positive correlation between standing height and left (r = 0.774) and right (r=0.759) humeral lengths. The left humeral length regression equation was a good height estimator in males (75.4%) and females (71.%). The left and right humeral lengths best predicted the sex for the population, with an accuracy of 78.0% and 77.8% for males and 53.8% and 54.6% for females, respectively. Conclusion: This study has added to the limited data on the use of percutaneous humeral length as a substitute for the determination of standing height and sex in the Ghanaian population, and it is also a significant identification tool which can be employed in the field of forensic anthropometry.

Source: KNUST
Helminth infection risk associated with the use of wastewater in Urban Agriculture in Kumasi, Ghana

In many cities across developing countries wastewater is largely untreated and ends up being used for urban vegetable farming. The practice has many benefits but can also lead to significant health risks if not undertaken in a safe manner. The main aim of this study was to assess the helminth risk associated with the use of wastewater for irrigation in the Kumasi Metropolitan Area in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. The specific objectives were; a) to assess the occurrence and seasonality of helminth parasite in wastewater used for irrigation and in wastewater contaminated soil. b) to assess the helminths infection risk for urban farmers using wastewater for irrigation; and c) to assess the helminth infection risk for consumers of wastewater irrigated vegetables. Helminth egg concentration was determined using the Modified EPA Protocol. Four types of helminth eggs were identified in both the irrigation water and soil. These were, Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm, Trichuris trichuira and Taenia spp. Schistosomaspp eggs were also found only in irrigation water, with A. lumbricoides being the most abundant in the irrigation water and farm soil. There was seasonal variation in the concentration of these helminths, however A. lumbricoides had the highest concentration across both seasons. A. lumbricoides and hookworm were the only helminth eggs identified in salad foods in the study area. The annual risk of infection with A. lumbricoides for vegetable farmers was found to be 0.85 ×10-1, higher than the tolerable risk of A. lumbricoides infection for farmers using wastewater for irrigation (1.2×10-2). Consumers of wastewater irrigated vegetables were equally at risk of A. lumbricoides infection with about the same magnitude as the farmers (2.6 ×10-1). To reduce the risk of A. lumbricoides infection it is recommended that simple, practical and inexpensive interventions such as the practice of drip irrigation, the use of stabilization ponds be introduced on the farms so as to reduce the concentration of these helminths in the irrigation water and soil. It is hope that these interventions would also include measures that reduce the risk of infection to the farmers as well. Education on disinfection practices should be introduced to further reduce the risk of A. lumbricoides infection to consumers

Source: KNUST
Helmith Contamination of Cabbage on Two Wastewater Irrigated Farms in the Kumasi Metropolis

The use of wastewater in vegetable farming is a common practice in many urban and suburban areas of Ghana. This study assessed helminth contamination of cabbage irrigated with wastewater on two major vegetable farms in the Kumasi Metropolis .cabbage samples were collected from the two farms as well as water samples from the source water and analyzed in the laboratory. They were Ascaris lumbricoides, Hookworm, H. nana, H.diminuta, S.heamatobium, Shistosomamansoni, C.sinensis S.stercolari and Trichuris trichiura. Helminths encountered in the wet season were relatively higher in numbers than those observed in the dry season. The dry season had different species of helminthes as compared to the wet season. It was also observed that most farmers know the implications of the use of wastewater in irrigation on their health and consumer but since there are no regulations on the use of wastewater they tend to ignore it.

Source: KNUST
Hepatitis B and C viral infections among blood donors. A retrospective study from a rural community of Ghana

Background: Infection by Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) cause serious mortality, morbidity and financial burden and are thus a major global health problem. The study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of Hepatitis B and C infections and co-infections among blood donors in a rural community of Ghana. This was a retrospective study conducted at the Agogo Presbyterian Hospital in the Asanti Akim North District of Ghana to investigate the prevalence of these infections over a three year period among 2773 blood donors. Males constituted a larger proportion of the study population (92.2%). Majority of the study population (43.9%) were within 26-35 age group. The disease prevalence was calculated at a 95% confidence interval. Findings: The prevalence of Hepatitis B viral (HBV) infection was highest in females- 21.4% (95% CI: 11.6-34.4) in 2006 than males in the same year- 13.2% (95% CI: 10.8-15.9). Hepatitis C viral (HCV) infection was highest among males- 11.6% (95% CI: 9.5-13.8) in 2007. HBV and HCV co-infection was higher in males- 2.6% (95% CI: 1.6-3.8) than females- 1.3% (95% CI: 0-7.0) in 2007. The overall prevalence of HBV and HCV was 13.8% (95% CI: 11.4- 16.4) and 9.4% (95% CI: 7.4-11.6) respectively in 2006. The rate of co-infection of HBV and HCV however increased from 1.6% (95% CI: 0.8-2.7) in 2006 to 2.2% (95% CI: 1.3-3.2) in 2008 in males and from 0% (95% CI: 0-6.4) in 2006 to 1.2% (95% CI: 0-6.5) in 2008 in females. Conclusion: The single infections of HBV and HCV reduced but co-infection of these transfusion transmitted infections increased. Measures such as more sensitive techniques for effective diagnosis and sanitary education to enlighten the population must be implemented.

Source: KNUST
Hepatitis B and C infection in pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at the catholic hospital, Battor in the Volta Region, Ghana.

Viral hepatitis is caused by hepatotrophic viruses with Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C being the frequent viruses affecting humans. Infections with HBV and HCV in pregnancy results in complications to the neonate and mother. Determination of the infection in pregnant women as well as the associated risk factors helps to identify neonates at risk of mother to child transmission and hence appropriate measures taken to help prevent the infection. A cross sectional study was carried out at the Catholic Hospital, Battor, to investigate the seroprevalence of HBV and HCV virus infections and associated risk factors among pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic. Structured questionnaire were administered to obtain the socio demographic data and Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay, ELISA from Human diagnostic worldwide, Germany) was used to investigate the presence HBsAg, anti-HBc and anti HCV. One hundred and thirty five (135) pregnant women were enrolled in the study. HBsAg was detected in 37 of these women, giving an overall prevalence of 27.4%. Among these women 5 (13.5%) tested positive for HBeAg indicating that this proportion of patients was highly infectious and therefore likely to transmit the virus to their offspring. The prevalence of hepatitis C in the study population was 8.8% and 60.7% tested positive for anti HBc. Parity, educational background and the use of protection during sex were factors that did not have any statistically significant association in the acquisition of these infection but the age of the subjects had a significant association with the acquisition of both HBV and HCV. Among the associated risk factors analyzed, having multiple sexual partners was the only significant factor in the acquisition of HBV infection whiles history of previous blood transfusion was associated to the acquisition of HCV infection. The results from this study reveals a high prevalence of HBV and HCV among pregnant women in the area.

Source: KNUST