ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
High prevalence of common respiratory viruses and no evidence of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus in Hajj pilgrims returning to Ghana, 2013

objective The Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) emerged in 2012 on the Arabian Peninsula and has caused severe respiratory disease with more than 800 laboratory confirmed cases. The return of infected pilgrims to their home countries with a putative spread of MERS-CoV necessitates further surveillance. methods A cross sectional study of 839 adult African Hajj pilgrims returning to Accra in Ghana, West Africa, was conducted in 2013 to assess the prevalence of respiratory symptoms as well as of MERS-CoV, human rhinovirus (HRV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza A virus (FLU A) infection. results Six hundred and fifty-one (77.6%) pilgrims had respiratory symptoms. Tests were positive for at least one of the viruses other than MERS-CoV in 179 (21.3%) of all pilgrims, with 22.4% detection in symptomatic vs. 17.6% detection in asymptomatic pilgrims. No MERS-CoV was detected, although common respiratory viruses were prevalent, with positive findings for HRV in 141 individuals (16.8%), RSV in 43 individuals (5.1%) and FLU A in 11 individuals (1.3%). Results were positive for more than one virus in 16 (1.9%) individuals, including 14 (1.7%) RSV/HRV co infections and 2 (0.2%) FLU A/HRV co-infections. A total 146 (22.4%) of the symptomatic returnees tested positive for at least one respiratory virus compared with 33 (17.6%) of the asymptomatic pilgrims who had at least one detectable virus in their sample. conclusions The prevalence of viral respiratory infections among Hajj pilgrims in both symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects was high. Although it is reassuring that MERS-CoV was not detected in the tested population, there is a need for active surveillance of Hajj pilgrims.

Source: KNUST
High prevalence of renal dysfunction and association with risk of death amongst HIV-infected Ghanaians

To determine the prevalence of HIV-associated renal dysfunction (RD), identify risk factors for RD and explore the association between baseline renal function and mortality in an HIV-infected population in Ghana. Methods: Creatinine clearance (CrCl) or estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated in patients attending an HIV clinic between 2004 and 2011 using Cockcroft-Gault, MDRD and CKD-EPI formulae. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors associated with RD and KaplaneMeier/Cox proportional regression analyses to explore associations between baseline CrCl/eGFR and subsequent mortality. Results: In 3137 patients starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) the frequency (95%-CI) of RD, defined by CrCl <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 using Cockroft-Gault formula was 38.8% (37.1e40.5%). RD prevalence in a sub-population of 238 patients, including proteinuria in the definition, was 15.3% (10.3e22.1%) in ART-treated and 43.6% (34.0e53.7%) in ART-na€ıve patients. RD at baseline was associated with increasing age, low CD4 counts, advanced WHO stage and female gender. Cox proportional hazard analysis identified an increased hazard of death with decreasing CrCl, HR 1.46 (1.31e1.63) for each tertile lower than CrCl of 90 ml/min/1.73 m2. Conclusions: RD is very common in HIV-infected ART-na€ıve Ghanaians, and associated with increased risk of mortality. Screening and monitoring of RD is important in this setting, particularly as tenofovir use increases.

Source: KNUST
A high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method for analyzing mebendazole

A rapid and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method is described for characterizing and quantifying mebendazole in bulk and in Pharmaceutical formulations. The method was a simple and straightforward procedure involving sample dissolution (in formic acid), dilution of the supematant to obtain a final concentration in the range 1 5-20μg/ml, and injection of sample solution (20μl volume) onto the column. The chromatographic separation was achieved on an octa-decyl reversed-phase column with UVdetection at 247nm. Quantitation was accomplished using an internal standard of albendazole reference standard; peak area ratios being determined with an integrating computer. The mode of operation was isocratic and was performed at ambient temperature requiring only 6 minutes of chromatography time. The standard curves obtained were linear over the concentration range O.5-3Oμg/ml. The mean percentage content of active constituent calculated from assay of a total of eight commercial preparations of mebendazole was 97.97% with a relative standard deviation of 1.52 compared to a relative standard deviation of 2.69 for the pharmacopoeial spectrophotometric method, (USP). The method was used to determine two commercial brands of albendazole at 237nm detection wavelength, using USP mebendazole reference standard as internal standard. The results obtained showed high reproducibility and an excellent measure of accuracy. Conditions of worm infestation are widespread and prevalent health hazards for which chemotherapeutic agents like mebendazole and albendazole are effectively used to combat. The method developed and described in the text presents the needed analytical technique for evaluating the integrity, and ascertaining the level of potency of such anthelmintic products in commercial circulation.

Source: KNUST
Histamine levels in frozen and smoked fish in Nungua market

Histamine is a biogenic amine produced in ﬁsh tissue through the decarboxylation of free histidine by exogenous decarboxylases released by microorganisms. Consuming fish contaminated by histamine beyond certain levels may result in histamine (or scombroid) poisoning characterized by allergies and other related seafood illnesses. However, survey studies assessing histamine levels of fish on local markets which could serve as baseline data for evaluating the related risk of exposure to seafood illnesses particularly in developing countries like Ghana are lacking. The findings of this project seek to create awareness of histamine levels in frozen and smoked fish on the Ghanaian (Nungua) market, especially under situations where storage conditions may be sub-optimal such as when energy supply is limited. Two (2) species of fish namely; Atlantic horse mackerel (commonly known as Kpanla) and Mackerel (popularly known as Salmon on the Ghanaian market) were purchased from cold stores in the Nungua market. Smoked fish samples were also purchased from five (5) different sellers. Histamine was extracted from fish into perchloric acid solution after homogenization and analyzed using high performance liquid chromatographic method with ultra violet detector. The levels of histamine were lower in frozen Atlantic mackerel and it ranged from 0 - 1.67 mg/kg and the concentrations of Atlantic horse mackerel ranged from 0 - 25 mg/kg. However, both did not exceed the critical limit of 100 mg/kg for frozen fish. Histamine levels in smoked Atlantic fish ranged from 13-27 mg/kg and concentrations of smoked Atlantic horse mackerel also ranged from 12-33 mg/kg. However, the histamine levels measured in the samples did not exceed the critical limit of 200 mg/kg for smoked fish. In conclusion, the study found histamine levels in the selected species on the Nungua market to be within the internationally acceptable limits suggesting they were safe for consumption in relation to histamine concentrations.

Source: KNUST
Hill placement of manure and fertilizer micro-dosing improves yield and water use efficiency in the Sahelian low input millet-based cropping system

Inadequate nutrient supply and insufficient rainfall are the most important limiting factors for crop pro duction in the Sahelian agro-ecological zones. Targeted technology application may help to improve the efficient use of limited nutrient and water resources. The objective of this study was to determine the optimal combination of fertilizer micro-dosing and manure application rates for improved millet yield and enhanced water use efficiency in low input millet-based cropping system. A two-year field experiment was conducted at a research station in Niger using a randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatments consisted of the factorial combination of: (i) two fertilizer micro dosing options (20 kg ha−1 of diammonium phosphate (DAP) and 60 kg ha−1 of NPK corresponding to 2 g hill−1 of DAP and 6 g hill−1 of NPK, respectively), (ii) cattle manure at four application rates (0 kg ha−1, 1000 kg ha−1, 2000 kg ha−1, 3000 kg ha−1) and (iii) two methods of manure application (broadcasting and hill placement). Millet grain yields under fertilizer micro-dosing combined with manure was increased on average by 59%, 83% and 113% for 1000 kg ha−1, 2000 kg ha−1 and 3000 kg ha−1, respectively com pared with fertilizer micro-dosing alone. Combined applications of manure and fertilizer micro-dosing increased water use efficiency significantly. Hill placement of manure increased total dry matter on aver age by 23% and water use efficiency by 35% relative to manure broadcasting. The total root length density was increased by 66% and 42% in hill placement of manure at 25 cm and 50 cm, respectively, from the hill centre compared with manure broadcast. These results indicate that millet production with the fertil izer micro-dosing technology can be improved further by hill-placement of manure. The combination of 2000 kg ha−1 of manure and 20 kg DAP ha−1 hill-placed were most promising for increasing millet yield and the efficient use of limited nutrients and water in Sahelian millet based systems. There is need for testing this technology further together with farmers to valuate its effectiveness.

Source: KNUST
Historical epidemiology of hepatitis C virus in select countries—volume 4

Due to the introduction of newer, more efficacious treatment options, there is a pressing need for policy makers and public health officials to develop or adapt national hepatitis C virus (HCV) control strategies to the changing epidemiological landscape. To do so, detailed, country-specific data are needed to characterize the burden of chronic HCV infection. In this study of 17 countries, a literature review of published and unpublished data on HCV prevalence, viraemia, genotype, age and gender distribution, liver transplants and diagnosis and treatment rates was conducted, and inputs were validated by expert consensus in each country. Viraemic prevalence in this study ranged from 0.2% in Hong Kong to 2.4% in Taiwan, while the largest viraemic populations were in Nigeria (2 597 000 cases) and Taiwan (569 000 cases). Diagnosis, treatment and liver transplant rates varied widely across the countries included in this analysis, as did the availability of reliable data. Addressing data gaps will be critical for the development of future strategies to manage and minimize the disease burden of hepatitis C.

Source: KNUST
Highlighting the Ghanaian market woman through knife painting

This thesis, highlights some of the trading activities of the Ghanaian market woman who vends her goods on tables, in trays and in baskets on the open market. In view of the fact that majority of the Ghanaian populace do not recognise the importance of these dedicated ‘servants’ and the contribution they make towards the sustenance of the country’s general work force, the searchlight has been thrown on some aspects of their trading activities. The ultimate aim of the author is to bring to the reader’s understanding, the role played by this category of market women in the socio-economic development of the country so that they will appreciate their contributions. This exercise has been achieved primarily ‘through the expressive medium of painting, using exclusively the painting knife to orchestrate the imageries in oil and acrylic paints. The content of this thesis examines a historical perspective of how paintings have been used to express the ideologies of man during ancient periods through to the 19th and 20th century periods. A review of issues connected with Ghanaian women and development, as well as the nature of oil paint and acrylic paints, have also been examined. Also in review is the nature of the basic technique of knife painting and its employment in the painting profession of modern Ghana. The author’s knife painting technique and its aesthetic visual effect on canvas have also been analysed with plates of paintings made during his experimental studies Thirteen plates which constitute the project works for this thesis have been analytically documented to buttress the ideals which inspired the writing of this thesis The themes subject matter and more especially the sensuous visual effect of these collections are intended to arouse the appreciative spirit of readers It is hoped that this thesis will lead readers to recognise the positive values in the Ghanaian market woman.

Source: KNUST
The historical-critical method and its assessment of Jesus as a historical being or a mythical figure

In this thesis, much attention has been given to defining what historical-critical method is, its insufficiencies and its assessment of Jesus as a historical being or a mythical figure. The method is a way of interpreting the Bible (and any other historical material) by using historical research, literary examination, findings from the social sciences and archaeology. It is called historical-critical method because it seeks to discover the political, economic, cultural, social and religious contexts of the Bible or any other book. The other side of this method is criticism. It evaluates and judges the biblical texts and its narratives in the light of modern scientific methodology. To achieve these two goals, the historical-critical method uses several approaches or methodologies such as textual criticism, form criticism, source criticism, redaction criticism, grammatical criticism, structuralist criticism, historical criticism and its new forms such as the social-scientific criticism. The historical-critical method of biblical interpretation has been in operation for some years now. For the period of its history, the method has made major contributions, seen as either positive or negative, to the overall turf of Biblical studies depending on who is doing the evaluation. Today, several scholars from diverse theological persuasions have expressed the need not to use the method to de-mystify the Scriptures or the need to modify its use in biblical studies. In assessing the historical Jesus, the historical-critical method questions ―who really was the man‖ referred to as Jesus in the New Testament. According to scholars, the New Testament books do not give a clear answer to this question. Therefore, the critical assumption is that there is a probability that a different being or a similar being could have been used as the Jesus of history or the Jesus of faith (or both) as it has been expressed implicitly in the Gospels

Source: KNUST
HIV Status Disclosure among People Living with HIV/Aids in the Tano North District

Despite the numerous benefits of HIV- positive status disclosure, studies have shown that the rates of disclosure among developing world are notably lower ranging from 16.7% to 86% compared to rates reported from the developed world (42% to 100%) (WHO, 2004). This research was a cross sectional study designed to determine the proportion of people living with HIV/AIDS who have disclosed their HIV-positive status to their sexual partners/family members and the reasons for non-disclosure in the Tano North District. Systematic random sampling method was used to draw 228 PLWHA for the study. The data collection tool was a structured questionnaire. Cross tabulations were done to determine the relationship between specific outcome variables and their predictors of disclosure. Chi-square tests were calculated and p-values of less than 0.05 were accepted as being statistical significant for all associations. The findings revealed that the proportion of HIV positive status disclosure to sexual partner(s)/family members was between 49.9% to 51.9%. Almost half (49.1%), of all persons interviewed during the study who had tested positive for HIV failed to disclose their HIV status. The major reasons for non-disclosure were: fear of rejection/discrimination/stigmatization (54.5%), fear of accusation of being unfaithful by partners (33.0%), fear of withdrawal of support (32.1%), minor reasons for non-disclosure were; denial (8.3%) and difficulty in initiating the process of disclosure (6.1%). The socio-demographic factors that were found to be independently associated with HIV positive status disclosure to sexual partner(s)/family members were monthly income (p<0.006), knowledge of HIV status of partner/family member (p<0.000), number of sexual partners (p<0.023), and place of diagnosis (p<0.000). That is, PLWHA who were diagnosed at the VCT center were more likely to disclose their HIV positive status. The study recommends that a community based programme should be designed to educate the general population on the importance of HIV positive status disclosure and attempt to reduce the barriers of HIV positive status disclosure and Couple counselling.

Source: KNUST
HIV and HBV co-infected patients’ response to the antiretroviral therapy (ART)

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis B virus (HBV) share similar routes of transmission and therefore are more likely to co-exist in individuals. With the emergence and wide usage of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART), diseases associated with the Liver are increasingly becoming of much importance in the management of HIV infected patients. This study was therefore conducted in the Holy Family Hospitals in Techiman and Berekum to determine the general prevalence of HIV/HBV co-infection in the two areas and also to determine whether HBV infection affects the treatment outcome of HIV infected individuals. Eighty-nine (89) HIV infected patients who consented to the study were enrolled. Of the 89 HIV patients, 46 were from the Techiman Holy Family Hospital while 43 were from the Berekum Holy Family Hospital. Blood samples were taken from them for testing for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Immunological, haematological and biochemical tests were also conducted on all the subjects. The prevalence of HIV/HBV co-infection was 32.6% (15 out of 46) and 37.2% (16 out of 43) for Techiman and Berekum respectively. The general prevalence of HBV infection among HIV patients for the two municipalities was found to be 34.8% (31 out of 89). Majority of the participants were between the ages of 21 and 50, and were females. Most of the participants were of low economic status, but most of the co-infected subjects were of medium economic status. Haemoglobin and White blood cells levels of the co-infected group and the mono-infected groups showed similar changes after the start of the treatment. Mean liver enzymes were higher in the mono-infected group than the co-infected group. Changes in the liver enzymes after the initiation of the ART were similar for both groups of subjects. After the initiation of the treatment, CD4 counts of mono-infected subjects showed significant (p=0.022) improvement by the second follow up while co-infected subjects showed significant (p=0.006) reduction. It was therefore concluded that, HBV infection affects negatively the (immunological) response to the antiretroviral therapy by the HIV infected patients.

Source: KNUST
HIV, HBV AND HCV co-infected patients’ response to the highly active antiretroviral theraphy in the Volta Region of Ghana

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C (HCV) share similar routes of transmission and pose serious public health concerns. Viral hepatitis coinfection with HIV is known to impact negatively on treatment response among HIV patients. This study sought to determine the treatment outcome of HAART on mono-infected HIV patients and HIV patients co-infected with viral hepatitis and the prevalence of Hepatitis B and/ or C co-infections among HIV patients in the Volta region of Ghana. A prospective cohort study design was used in this study. HIV-1 positive patients attending ART centres were recruited for the study from January, 2014 to December, 2015. Two hundred blood samples were collected from the cohort and screened for the presence of hepatitis B (HBsAg) and C (anti-HCV antibody). A total of one hundred and ten study participants comprised of HIV mono-infected (93 participants) and hepatitis co-infected HIV patients (17 participants) were prospectively followed for one year. CD4, body weight, haemoglobin and liver enzymes levels were determined for each participant at baseline, six months and twelve months intervals. Among the HIV-1 positive individuals, 14 patients were infected with hepatitis B virus (7.5%), 3 with hepatitis C virus (1.5%) and none triply infected. The overall hepatitis-HIV prevalence was 8.5%. There was significant increase in the mean CD4 count, weight gain and haemoglobin levels among HIV mono-infected patients from baseline through six month to the twelve month of therapy (p, <0.05) whereas the co-infected group presented with no significant change in the aforementioned variables over the same period. There was a negative treatment response among hepatitis co-infected HIV patients as compared to mono-infected counterparts. The findings underscore the importance of screening for hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses in the HIV infected individuals on therapy. Keywords: Human Immunodeficiency Virus; Hepatitis B virus; Hepatitis C virus; coinfection.

Source: KNUST
Hogbetsotso festival in artistic perspective

Hogbetsotso is one of the indigenous festivals in Ghana. It is celebrated by the Anlo people to commemorate the escape from Notsie in Togo to their present abode in the Volta Region of Ghana, between the fourteenth and the fifteenth centuries. During the celebration of this festival, many art forms which contribute to the success and pageantry of the festival are exhibited. The identification, analysis and appraisal of these art forms, are the subject matters of this thesis with a review of some related books on the topic. Chapter one introduces and discusses the problem and its setting. Chapter two presents the historical background of the festival and the natural setting of Anloga and Anlo in general. Chapter three tackles the environmental arts. Chapter four discusses the Awomefia’s regalia and other important collections. Chapter five deals with the body arts, while Chapter six takes care of performing and verbal arts. Chapter seven presents a summary, conclusion and suggestions.

Source: KNUST