ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Variation in seed size, protein and tannin content of bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea)

Seed size and protein and tannin contents were determined on 25 accessions of bambara groundnut currently available in Ghana, using dried seeds 8-10 weeks after harvesting. The 100-seed weight varied from 34 to 63 g. The protein and tannin contents were 14.1 to 23.1% and 0.25 to 2.27% (dmb) respectively. Tannin concentration increased with increase in testa colour and eye pattern colour. Selecting accessions with high protein and low tannin, with large or medium seed size should improve the quality of bambara groundnut.

Source: UG
Variation in symbiotic effectiveness of cowpea bradyrhizobia indigenous to Ghanaian soils

The potential for improving biological nitrogen fixation through rhizobial inoculation requires knowledge of the abundance and effectiveness of the indigenous rhizobia population in the soil. Cowpea bradyrhizobia in 20 soils in Ghana were enumerated and isolates from nodules of cowpea grown in these soils were examined in sand for symbiotic effectiveness. The 100 isolates examined varied greatly with estimated values for effectiveness, relative to an uninoculated control, ranging from 23.5 to 118%. The isolates thus ranged from ineffective to highly effective, but with most of them (68%) being ranked as moderately effective and with the highly effective ones constituting only 26% of the 100 isolates studied. The results obtained raise an important question, whether the 26% highly effective bradyrhizobia are capable of satisfying optimum N requirements from symbiotic N2 fixation. Diversity of the isolates in symbiotic effectiveness was again revealed when compared to the fertilized N control or with a standard strain of Bradyrhizobium sp. Some of the isolates had high N2 fixing capabilities that were comparable to the N fertilized plants with the equivalent of 70 kg/ha of inorganic N, with some of them showing superiority in symbiotic effectiveness relative to the standard strain. These data suggest that native isolates are a potentially useful source of strains for preparing highly effective cowpea inoculants. © 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Source: UG
Variations and Determinants of Anemia among Reproductive Age Women in Five Sub-Saharan Africa Countries

Background. The Ghana Demographic and Health Survey 2014 report indicates that anemia among women in their reproductive age in the country stood at 42 percent, making it a severe public health problem according to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification. WHO Global Observatory data indicates that some sub-Saharan African countries have been able to reduce the prevalence of anemia among women of reproductive age compared to Ghana in 2016. To inform policy decisions, data from the Demographic and Health Surveys 2014–2018 were analyzed to determine the disparities in the prevalence of anemia and related factors among women of reproductive age in Ghana, Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda. Methods. This research utilized data from the Demographic and Health Surveys 2014, 2016, 2014-2015, 2015-2016, and 2016 from Ghana, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda, respectively. Respondents were women aged between 15 and 49 years. Hemoglobin levels were measured by HemoCue hemoglobin meter. 45,299 women data were extracted from the five countries with 4,644, 14,923, 6,680, 13,064, and 5,988 from Ghana, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda, respectively. Association between anemia and selected predictive variables was assessed using Pearson’s chi-square test statistic. Poisson regression with robust standard errors was used to estimate the prevalence rate ratios of developing anemia. The deviance goodness of fit test was employed to test the fit of the Poisson model to the data set. Results. There was a statistically significant difference in prevalence of 1,962 (42.3%), 3,527 (23.6%), 1,284 (19.3%), 5,857 (44.8%), and 1,898 (31.7%) for Ghana, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda, respectively, χ2 = 2,181:86 and p value < 0.001. Parity, pregnancy status, and contraceptives significantly increased the prevalence rate ratio of a woman developing anemia. Women in Ethiopia with a parity of six or more were 58% more likely to develop anemia than those with parity of zero. Tanzanian women who were pregnant had a 14% increased rate ratio of developing anemia. Factors that significantly decreased anemia in this study were wealth index, women’s age, and women’s highest level of education. Women who were in the higher education category in Ethiopia were 57% less likely to develop anemia. Ugandan women in the richest category of the wealth index were 28% less likely to develop anemia. Rwandan women in the middle category of the wealth index were 20% less likely to develop anemia. Women who were within the 45-49 age category in Ethiopia were 48% less likely to develop anemia. Conclusion. The individual country governments should encourage the implementation of increasing female enrollment in higher education. Women in their reproductive age should be encouraged to use modern contraceptives to reduce their anemia prevalence.

Source: UG
Variations in concentrations of arsenic and other potentially toxic elements in mine and paddy soils and irrigation waters from southern Ghana

This study was undertaken to ascertain the impact of gold mining on soil and water chemistry as well as on rice grain quality. Samples collected from both gold mining and non-gold mining regions of southern Ghana were analysed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to determine the concentrations of arsenic and other potentially toxic elements (PTEs). Significant differences were observed between sites with respect to soil As, Co, Cu, Pb and Zn concentrations. Paddy soils from the Anum Valley Irrigation Project site, located close to the old Konongo Gold Mine in the Ashanti region, contained up to 103 mg arsenic/kg. Although higher arsenic concentrations were recorded in mine soils from Bogosu in the western region, paddy soil samples from this region contained relatively low concentrations of arsenic, suggesting that the contribution of gold mining to soil contamination is a function of distance from the point source of contaminants. Transfer of soil arsenic to rice grain was significantly higher in gold mining regions compared to non-gold mining regions. At the Anum Valley Irrigation Project site, where surface waters containing 144 μg arsenic/l were used for paddy irrigation, rice grain arsenic concentration reached 0.59 mg/kg, indicating a potential risk of arsenic transfer to the food chain.

Source: UG
Variations in composition of the intervillous space lining in term placentas of mothers with pre-eclampsia.

Objective(s): To define composition of chorionic plate and test effects of pre-eclampsia on basal plate composition. Study Design: Retrospective cohort study where distinct area fractions were measured in: healthy term chorionic plate (CP: n = 11), healthy placental basal plate (n = 11), mild pre-eclamptic basal plate (n = 10) and severe pre-eclamptic basal plate (n = 11). Results: CP lining is partly endothelial. Mean anchoring villus (AV)/acellular (NS) basal plate area ratio decreased in pre-eclampsia (p = 0.048). There was a decreasing trend with increasing disease severity. Basal plate endothelial cell proportion was not significantly lower in severe pre-eclampsia than in healthy or mild pre-eclamptics. Conclusion(s): An inverse relationship between the proportions of fibrin and anchoring villi indicates that increased basal plate fibrin deposition and reduced basal plate materno-fetal anchoring area are part of pre-eclamptic disease progression. Endothelium lining intervillous surfaces may originate from circulating maternal endothelial progenitor cells

Source: UG
Variations in haematological and inflammatory biomarkers and their association with Plasmodium falciparum malaria: a cross-sectional comparative study at a clinic in Ghana

Background Malaria remains a significant public health challenge in Ghana, with haematological alterations being a com mon feature of infection. Understanding these changes is crucial for improving disease management, particularly in endemic regions where resource limitations may affect diagnostic capabilities. This study aimed to evaluate variations in haematologi cal and inflammatory biomarkers and their association with Plasmodium falciparum malaria in a Ghanaian setting. Methods A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted at the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority Clinic from Janu ary to May 2018, involving 200 participants (100 P. falciparum-infected and 100 malaria-negative participants). Full blood count parameters and derived inflammatory indices were analysed. Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U tests were used to determine the variations in haematological and inflammatory biomarkers across malaria and non-malaria groups. Logis tic regression was also used to find the haematological and inflammatory biomarkers associated with malaria. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Significant differences were observed in several haematological parameters between P. falciparum malaria and non malaria groups. Plasmodium falciparum malaria patients showed markedly lower white blood cell counts (4.88 vs. 5.84 × 10⁹/L, p < 0.001), lymphocyte counts (0.91 vs. 2.10 × 10⁹/L, p < 0.001), and platelet counts (117.50 vs. 224.50 × 10⁹/L, p < 0.001). Inflammatory indices revealed elevated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (3.49 vs. 1.43, p < 0.001) and systemic inflammatory response index (1.83 vs. 0.73, p < 0.001) in P. falciparum malaria patients. Notably, the platelet-monocyte ratio was significantly reduced in malaria patients (207.45 vs. 457.78, p < 0.001). Haemoglobin levels showed significant variation across parasite densities, particularly between moderate and low parasitaemia groups (p = 0.026). The logistic regression also revealed that the odds of malaria decreased with increasing haematocrit (aOR: 0.77,95% CI 0.60–0.97, p = 0.032), platelets (aOR:0.96, 95% CI 0.94–0.99, p = 0.013) and platelets-monocyte ratio (aOR:0.98, 95% CI 0.97–0.99, p = 0.004), and increased with increased platelets-lymphocyte ratio (aOR:1.04, 95% CI 1.00–1.07, p = 0.031). Conclusion This study demonstrated significant alterations in haematological and inflammatory biomarkers during P. falciparum malaria infection. These findings reveal the importance of haematological parameters in malaria diagnosis and severity assessment, with potential implications for improving early detection, risk stratification, and clinical man agement of P. falciparum malaria patients.

Source: UG
Variations in seaweed-associated and planktonic bacterial communities along the coast of Ghana

ABSTRACT Seaweed associated bacteria can be exploited for sustainable production and conservation of seaweeds, although limited information exists in several coastal waters in West Africa. Here, the diversity and abundance of bacteria on five seaweeds, Sargassum vulgare, Padina durvillaei, Hydropuntia dentata, Hypnea musciformis and Ulva fasciata, and surrounding seawaters across five coastal sites in the Central and Western regions of Ghana were investigated. Biochemical tests and MALDIâ€“TOF identification system were used to determine the bacteria diversity and abundance on the seaweeds and seawater. A total of 530 bacterial isolates, belonging to 28 species (and mostly Proteobacteria and Firmicutes) were identified. A higher diversity of bacteria species was found associated with the seaweeds (83%) than in seawater (17%). Bacterial composition was similar among taxonomically-related seaweeds. The brown (S. vulgare) and red (H. musciformis) seaweeds recorded the most and least diverse bacterial assemblage, respectively. Seasonally, bacterial diversity and abundance were marginally higher in the wet season. The study provides important baseline information on the spatial, temporal and taxonomic distribution of bacteria associated with commercially valuable seaweed species in the coastal areas of Ghana. The results are also important for the sustainable exploitation and conservation of these important macroalgae in Ghana and elsewhere.

Source: UG
Variations in the quality of malaria-specific antibodies with transmission intensity in a seasonal malaria transmission area of Northern Ghana

The Department of Immunology conducts research in the field of immunology of infectious and non-infectious diseases. The Department has the overall goal of contributing knowledge to better diagnosis, management, control and prevention of infectious and non-infectious diseases in Ghana and worldwide. This is consistent with the overall strategy of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) and in line with the strategy of the College of Health Sciences of the University of Ghana.

Source: UG
Varietal diversity and processing effects on the biochemical composition, cyanogenic glucoside potential (HCNp) and appearance of cassava flours from South-Eastern African region

Changes in biochemical quality and cyanogenic safety in flours from different cassava varieties grown within the South-eastern African region as influenced by processing technique were investigated. Two local (Mweulu and Tanganyika) and four improved Cassava Mosaic Disease (CMD)-tolerant cassava varieties (Chila A, Chila B, Bangweulu and Kampolombo) were processed using different processing techniques (chipping, grating and soaking). Flours obtained from these products were studied for changes in their starch content, total, reducing and non-reducing sugars, colour and cyanogenic potential (HCNp) using standard analytical methods. The results showed that the different processing techniques had only minimal but significant (p<0.05) effects on the starch and sugar content of the different cassava varieties. Flour made from chips from all six cassava varieties had relatively high cyanogenic potentials with values ranging between 30.1 mg HCN/kg in Chila A to 64.3 mg HCN/kg in Bangweulu. Grating and soaking of the roots, however resulted in drastic reductions in the levels of the cyanogenic glucosides in all the varieties. The high HCNp levels in the chips from Chila A and Bangweulu were reduced to 16.2 and 13.5 mg HCN/kg by the grating and soaking treatments respectively. Similar reductions in HCNp levels were noted for all the other varieties. Likewise, grating and soaking also caused significant (p<0.05) increase in the L*-values of the cassava flours compared to the cassava chip flours. Soaked Kampolombo had the highest L*-value of 78.40 suggesting that the soaked Kampolombo cassava sample was whiter than the rest of the samples. These findings have implications for the preference and adoption of cassava varieties where the colour of the flour is deemed to be important for the preparation of preferred dishes.

Source: UG
Varying effect of fertility determinants among migrant and indigenous Females in the transitional agro-ecological zone of Ghana

The transitional agro-ecological zone of Ghana, located between the richly endowed south and the impoverished north, has attracted seasonal and permanent farm migrants, mainly from northern Ghana, who now live side by side with the indigenous people. While migrants have higher numbers of Muslims, indigenous people are mainly Christians. Although the majority of the migrants live in migrant quarters with less favourable socio-economic conditions, they are more successful farmers and therefore wealthier. The objectives are to examine the varying effect of fertility determinants among migrants and indigenous females. This paper uses data collected in 2002 among 194 females aged 15 to 49 years. Multiple regression models are used to assess fertility determinants. Results show that although migrant households were wealthier, migrant females were more traditional. They had more children living in fostercare, and a lower proportion of them approved of men participating in household activities. In addition, they were less well educated, recorded higher infant mortality, gave birth earlier and used less contraception. Furthermore, while a female’s migration status is statistically significant so far as non-proximate determinants of fertility are concerned, the same variable is not significant with respect to proximate determinants. In addition, a married female migrant would on average have almost one more child compared to her indigenous counterpart, and migrant females who had experienced the loss of a child would on average have 2.5 more children compared to their indigenous counterparts. Finally, more affluent migrant females have 0.08 fewer children compared to their indigenous counterpart.

Source: UG
Vasodilatory constituents of essential oil from Nardostachys jatamansi DC.: Virtual screening, experimental validation and the potential molecular mechanisms

Abstract Recent studies have demonstrated that the essential oil of Nardostachys jatamansi (EONJ) has potential health benefits, such as reducing blood pressure, protecting the heart, and relaxing blood vessels. However, the active constituents and the underlying molecular mechanisms are still unclear. In this study, we utilized GC–MS to identify the chemical constituents of EONJ and tested its vasodilatory effects on constricted isolated thoracic aorta rings from mice. We then combined network pharmacology with spectrum-effect relationship approaches to select potential marker ingredients and uncover the possible vascular protective mechanism of EONJ. Among the four main chemicals screened in this work, b-maaliene and patchouli alcohol exhibited varying levels of vasodilatory effects on isolated, constricted thoracic aortic rings. Bioinformatics and net work pharmacology analyses revealed that EONJ’s primary biological regulation targets were NOS3 and PTGS2. Moreover, EONJ may exert its vasodilatory effects by modulating lipid and therosclerosis and the PI3K-AKT signaling pathways. This study provides the first report on the vasodilatory effects and possible molecular mechanisms of EONJ. The findings may serve as a ref erence for quality evaluation, identification of bioactive markers, and future applications of EONJ in the prevention and treatment of vascular and cardiac diseases.

Source: UG
Vasorelaxant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of the Methylene Chloride Fraction of Foeniculum vulgare Fruit Extract

This study investigated the vasorelaxant and anti-inflammatory activities of the methylene chloride fraction of crude methanolic Foeniculum vulgare fruit extract (FV). The vasorelaxant activity was examined on isolated rat aortic ring preparations precontracted with phenylephrine where as the anti-inflammatory activity was examined in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. FV attenuated the vasoconstriction of precontracted aortic strips in a dose-dependent manner. This effect was found to be endothelium-dependent and through the nitric oxide (NO)-3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate pathway. In the anti-inflammatory assays, FV reduced NO release by inhibiting inducible NO synthase protein and mRNA and also suppressed cyclooxygenase-2 expression. It decreased the lipopolysaccharide-induced secretions of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 and significantly reduced the phosphorylation of c-Jun amino-terminal kinases (JNK1) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1 (ERK1/2). Our results demonstrate that the methylene chloride fraction of the crude methanolic FV possesses potent vasorelaxant and anti-inflammatory activities.Practical ApplicationsFoeniculum vulgare mill is used traditionally for treatment of a good number of diseases. This study revealed that the methylene chloride fraction of the extract possesses significant vasorelaxant activity and also showed significant anti-inflammatory activity. Therefore, it stands as a promising candidate for further studies in the synthesis of vasorelaxant and anti-inflammatory drugs after identification of biomarkers.

Source: UG
Vector competence, for Wuchereria bancrofti, of the Anopheles populations in the Bongo district of Ghana

The Department of Parasitology conducts research into parasitic diseases of public health importance with the overall goal of reducing their transmission and the heavy disease burden that they impose on affected populations. The Department maintains focus on parasitic diseases in general. These include major diseases such as malaria, and others listed under the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) control initiative such as, lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiasis, trypanosomiasis and leishmaniasis.

Source: UG
Vegetable producer perceptions and willingness to pay for biopesticides

Strict maximum residue limits in export markets are likely to place restrictions on pesticide use on vegetable crops in developing countries. In West Africa, the key factors influencing vegetable farmers' willingness to pay for biopesticides as alternatives to chemical pesticides are assessed. The key factors identified from vegetable producers' surveys are access to education and extension services, experience in pesticide use, and the effectiveness of pesticides to control new pests. The adoption of biopesticide as a substitute to chemical pesticide to control the diamondback moth on cabbage would occur more likely in Ghana, given the greater emphasis of extension on awareness and information on integrated pest management (IPM). The low level of awareness and information of farmers in Benin to make a clear difference between biological and chemical pesticides presents unrealistic expectations for biopesticide introductions now. © 2006 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.

Source: UG
Vegetable production technical efficiency and technology gaps in Ghana

Review books or articles provide a critical and constructive analysis of existing published literature in a field, through summary, analysis, and comparison, often identifying specific gaps or problems and providing recommendations for future research. These are considered as secondary literature since they generally do not present new data from the author's experimental work. Review articles can be of three types, broadly speaking: literature reviews, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. It also the researcher to stay abreast of new literature in the field.

Source: UG
Veneration and desecration in Calixthe Beyala's La petite fille du réverbère

The Franco-Cameroonian novelist Calixthe Beyala has, in recent years, made a name for herself as a radical feminist novelist. Her anti-patriarchal and antiestablishment attack lakes on an obsessively sacred coloration in her eighth novel, La petite fille du réverbère, for, while venerating herself, Grandmother, and earth-bound Africa, she systematically desecrates what appears to her as incarnations of the inimical hydra-headed Father: imperialists, negligent genitor, opportunistic fathers, Fathers-of-Nation, sexual taboos, the sky-God, and literary critics who accuse her of plagiarism. Using as a point of departure the notions of the sacred embedded in collective and contemporary consciousness, the essay examines the dual process of sanctification and profanation at work in the novel. © 2005.

Source: UG