ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Hydro-ethanol extract of Holarrhena foribunda stem bark exhibits anti-anaphylactic and anti-oedematogenic efects in murine models of acute infammation

Background: Holarrhena foribunda (G.Don) T.Durand & Schinz stem bark has anecdotal use in Ghanaian folk medi‑ cine for the management of infammatory conditions. This study was conducted to investigate the in vivo anti-infam‑ matory activity of the bark extract using models of acute infammation in male Sprague Dawley rats, C57BL/6 mice and ICR mice. Methods: A 70% hydro-ethanol extract of the stem bark (HFE) was evaluated at doses of 5–500 mg/kg bw. Local ana‑ phylaxis was modelled by the pinnal cutaneous anaphylactic test. Systemic anaphylaxis or sepsis were modeled by compound 48/80 or lipopolysaccharide, respectively. Clonidine-induced catalepsy was used to investigate the efect on histamine signaling. Anti-oedematogenic efect was assessed by induction with carrageenan. Efects on mediators of biphasic acute infammation were studied using histamine and serotonin (early phase) or prostaglandin E2 (late phase). Results: HFE demonstrated anti-infammatory and/or anti-oedematogenic activity comparable to standard doses of aspirin and diclofenac (inhibitors of cyclooxygenases-1 and -2), chlorpheniramine (histamine H1-receptor antagonist), dexamethasone (glucocorticoid receptor agonist), granisetron (serotonin receptor antagonist) and sodium cromogly‑ cate (inhibitor of mast cell degranulation). All observed HFE bioactivities increased with dose. Conclusions: The data provide evidence that the extract of H. foribunda stem bark has anti-anaphylactic and antioedematogenic efects; by interfering with signalling or metabolism of histamine, serotonin and prostaglandin E2 which mediate the progression of infammation. The anti-infammatory and antihistaminic activities of HFE may be relevant in the context of the management of COVID-19.

Source: KNUST
Hydro-Climatic Modelling of an Ungauged Basin in Kumasi, Ghana

The Owabi catchment which is about 69 km2 provides about 20 % of water needs of the Kumasi metropolis has been in recent times prone to high anthropogenic activities that threaten water resource management. The Soil-Water-AssessmentTool (SWAT) was used to assess the extent of these activities on the hydrology on the catchment from 1986 to 2015. Specifically, the model simulated historic and projected stream-flow and water balance. Initial results revealed the forest and topography 5 played major role in water loss at the catchment as evapotranspiration and surface runoff were the dominant modulating processes. Monthly calibration/validation of the model yielded satisfactory results with NSE (0.66/0.67), R2 (0.67/0.67), PBIAS (8.2%/8.0%) and RSR (0.59/0.58). Nine sensitive parameters of which the catchment slope (CN2) ranked principal were found to control runoff amounts into the river. The model uncertainty was also quite low as the 95PPU enveloped about 50% of the observed streamflow within a width of 0.45 - 0.55. Furthermore, future streamflow predictions were modelled under RCP2.6, 10 RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 climatic scenarios, and two landuse scenarios, landuse category 1 and 2 (LU1 and LU2). An increasing trend of the downscaled rainfall totals between 2021 to 2050 for all RCPs were observed. This will positively impact streamflow generation at the catchment under LU1. There is an expected deficit of streamflow amounts under LU2 relative to LU1, and a marginal reduction as compared to the baseline. In general, the model proved efficient in determining the hydrology parameters in the catchment and therefore has potential to be used for further modelling of water quality and pollution to aid 15 effective water resource decisions at the catchment. 1 Introducti

Source: KNUST
Hydroethanolic Extracts of Ficus pumila Linn. Is Protective against Gentamicin-Induced Kidney Damage in Rats

N(3%1(2 Linn. has been reported to be rich in phenols, hepatoprotective and antiproliferative on leukemic cancer cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the nephroprotective effect of hydroethanolic leaves extracts of N5%1(2 on gentamicin-induced kidney damage in rats. Twentyseven female Wistar albino rats were divided into 9 groups (n=3). Group 1 being normal; group 2 was the gentamicin (GM) induced only (80 mg/kg b/w ip for 5 days); groups 3, 4, & 5 rats were treated with gentamicin (80mg/kg b/w ip for 5 days) and N5%1(2 extract at 100, 250, and 500 mg/kg b/w orally respectively; groups 6, 7 & 8 rats received the extract only (100, 250, and 500 mg/kg b/w orally) respectively and group 9 being gentamicin and silymarin (100 mg/kg b/w orally) for 21 days. Blood samples were taken 24 hrs after the experimented period and biochemical and haematological parameters were analyzed. GM nephrotoxicity was characterized by significantly increased levels of serum creatinine, urea, sodium, potassium and WBC, while reduced RBC, HGB, MCH and MCV levels compared with normal group. Rats treated with gentamicin and the extract showed a significant reduction in the levels of these markers. The results suggest that hydroethanolic extract of N(3%1(2 leaves protect against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in female Wistar albino rats.

Source: KNUST
“Hydroethanol extract and triterpenoids of Senegalia ataxacantha show antiplasmodial activity and the compounds are predicted to inhibit parasite lactate dehydrogenase (pfLDH) as indicated by molecular docking studies”

Malaria claims over 600,000 deaths annually with a disproportionately high burden in the WHO African Region. The development of parasite resistance has warranted the search for novel anti plasmodial drug candidates. This research aimed at validating the efficacy of Senegalia atax acantha and tracking down its bioactive constituents. In vivo antiplasmodial activity of the extract was assessed using suppressive and curative protocols. Yeast-induced pyrexia was employed to evaluate the antipyretic activity of the extract. In vitro anti-plasmodial activity of isolated compounds was done using SYBR green I fluorescence assay on chloroquine sensitive (3D7) and resistant (Dd2) strains of P falciparum. In silico pharmacokinetic and interactions with parasites lactate dehydrogenase predictions of isolated compounds was conducted through molecular docking studies. Ethanol (70 %) extract of the plant showed in vitro and in vivo anti-plasmodial effect. The extract demonstrated significant (p < 0.05) dose-dependent suppression of 63.39 % and 63.32 % respectively at the highest dose (300 mg kg-1). Artesunate (4 mg kg-1/day) had considerably better curative potential (85.25%). The compounds showed in vitro anti-plasmodial activity in the order lupeol> friedelin/ friedelinol mixture>friedelin>β-sitosterol based on IC50 measurement. Friedelinol and lupeol exhibited higher binding affinities with pfLDH compared to Chloroquine. The extract and acetaminophen (positve control) showed significant (p < 0.05) reduction in rectal temperature compared to the control group. In silico studies of the compounds revealed moderate interactions with some cytochrome P450 metabolizing enzymes.

Source: KNUST
Hybrid Methods of Some Evolutionary Computations AndKalman Filter on Option Pricing

The search for a better option price continues within the financial institution. In pricing a put option, holders of the underlying stock always want to make the best decision by maximizing profit. We present an optimal hybrid model among the following combinations: Kalman Filter-Genetic Programming(KF-GP), Kalman Filter-Evolutionary Strategy(KF-ES) and Evolutionary Strategy -Genetic Programming(ES- GP). Our results indicate that the hybrid method involving Kalman Filter-Evolutionary Strategy(KF-ES) is the best model for any investor. Sensitivity analysis was conducted on the model parameters to ascertain the rigidity of the model.

Source: KNUST
The Hydraulic Performance of 900mm Diameter Pipe Culvert Using Wenchi - Sampa Road as Case Study

Inadequate drainage of surface and subsurface water can have significant impact on road pavement behaviour and long-term maintenance costs. Interception of water before it infiltrates into the pavement foundation is essential unless the soils are truly free draining. Most pipe culverts are not seen by the travelling public and become noticeable only when a problem arises, such as flooding or settlement in the roadway. Occasionally there is an accident because an unexpected hydraulic failure of pipe culvert causes flood to overtop the roadway. In the past, the 450mm, 600mm, 1200mm and 1800mm diameter pipe culverts were used as cross drainage structures. Due to the hydraulic inefficiencies of the 450mm and 600mm diameter pipe culverts, the Ghana Highway Authority and the Department of Urban Roads decided in the 1980s to make the 900mm diameter pipe culvert (or its equivalent box culvdrt) the minimum cross drainage structure for their roads, as a regulatory measure. However, the hydraulic inefficiencies associated with the 450mm and 600mm diameter pipes were still found with the 900mm diameter pipes. This therefore necessitated the study into its hydraulic performance using the reconstructed 30km section of the Wenchi - Sampa Road in the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana, as case study. Forty- five 900mm diameter concrete pipe culverts were covered in the study. The prevailing conditions at their locations were assessed. Generally, about half the number of the 900mm diameter pipe culverts were silted and few had their inlets and outlets scoured. The Regional Office of the Ghana Highway Authority was surveyed by administering a questionnaire to find from them their inspection and maintenance programmes for the 900mm diameter pipe culverts on the project road. Much of the information presented has been taken from the Field Survey Results. Information from the literature has also been incorporated and adapted where necessary, to fit highway needs. Appropriate recommendations were made based on the findings.

Source: KNUST
Hydrogeological evaluation of geological formations in Ashanti Region, Ghana

The execution of any hydrogeological project to exploit groundwater using boreholes requires prior knowledge on some of the hydrogeological parameters of the underlying geological formation at the planning stage for smooth and successful implementation of such project. These parameters include the yield from the aquifer, the expected final depth of the borehole, the expected overburden thickness, static water level, specific capacity and the quality of water. This study employed Geographical Information System to assess some of these parameters in the geological formations of Ashanti Region; namely the Birimian and its intrusive undifferentiated Granitoids, Tarkwaian and Voltaian, using data from 2788 drilled boreholes. The ordinary kriging interpolation method was used to produce maps of the airlift yield, overburden and final borehole depths, static water level, specific capacity and the occurrence of higher amounts of iron in the groundwater of the study area. The study results indicate that the Birimian is generally within the medium (30 – 60 l/min) and high (> 60 l/min) yield zones at a success rate of 90.6 % and average final depth of 52.5 m whilst the undifferentiated granitoids are, mostly, within the low yield (less than 30 l/min) zones with isolated high yield boreholes and have average borehole depth and success rate of 49.6 m and 72.3 % respectively. Aquifers within the Tarkwaian group are generally within the medium yield zone with a success rate of 79.5 %. The groups within the Voltaian formation –i.e. Kwahu, Oti Pendjari and Obosum– are classified mainly within the low yield zones with 53.5 %, 60.0 % and 66.7 % success rates respectively, but significant high yield zones occur within the sandstone formation underlying the westernmost part of the region. Also, about 21 % of successful boreholes had unsuitable water quality with high iron, nitrate, manganese and low pH being their main problems. About 11.7 % of these boreholes were located within the Birimian and intrusive undifferentiated granitoids and had high iron concentrations above the accepted guideline value for drinking water.

Source: KNUST
Hydrogeological Framework and Groundwater Recharge Estimation in the Tongo District of the Upper East Region of Ghana

Surface water in most parts of the UER faces two challenges. The resource is mostly inadequate due to frequent failure and the uneven distribution of rainfall and sometimes also polluted due to anthropogenic activities. This situation has brought about the use of groundwater as a more reliable alternative for both domestic and agriculture purposes. The current reliance on groundwater has brought about a decline in the resource due to over abstraction from aquifers within the region which may potentially lead to depletion and give way to ecological challenges. There is therefore the need for good management of the aquifer by giving much consideration to its recharge areas and water sources. This study was conducted to assess the hydraulic conductivity and transmissivity characteristics of the soil overlying the aquifer in the Tongo district. This study also estimated the aquifer’s geometry and the physio-chemical parameters of both surface water and groundwater in the area. The hydraulic conductivities estimated ranged between 0.54 m/d and 1.53 m/d indicating that the aquifer is an unconsolidated sedimentary soil. Analysis of grain-size distribution showed the overlying to be predominantly medium sand. The soil’s transmissivities ranged between 1.82 m2/d and 22.2 m2/d. Even though the physico-chemical parameters indicate that the water in the aquifer is of good quality, the low soil transmissivity values suggests that not much water can be abstracted from the aquifer for local water supply. The geometry of the aquifer system within the region was delineated using the inverse distance weighting technique. The technique estimated that, depth to water table ranged between 0.6 and 23.7 m, and depth to bedrock between 4.5 and 40.8 m. The saturated aquifer thickness also ranged between 0.3 and 49.5 m. These parameters suggest that the aquifer is indeed shallow and can be susceptible to pollution. Estimation of the aquifer recharge using the chloride mass balance method established a mean recharge rate of 109.3 mm/yr which suggests that only about 11% of precipitation in the area recharges the aquifer. This study recommends a long-term monitoring plan for early detection of groundwater contamination and aid to define the aquifer’s geometry extensively. It is again recommends for communities to construct more open wells to recive direct recharge as well as ensuring good agricultural and sanitation practices to avoid groundwater pollution.

Source: KNUST
Hydrogenation of carbon dioxide to formate bya-diimine RuII,RhIII,IrIIIcomplexes as catalyst precursors

The conversion of CO2into valuable chemicals has been of major interest because it is cheap and readilyavailable. The concept of reducing CO2pollutionviaits utilization into valuable products has inspired usto synthesise novel 4,4'-((1Z)-butane-2,3-diylidenebis(azanylylidene))dibenzoic acid (L) metal com-plexes {[(L)RuII](C1), [(L)RhIII](C2), [(L]IrIII(C3)} complexes for catalytic hydrogenation of CO2. Thea-diimine metal complexes (C1eC3) were characterised using several analytical techniques, including:NMR spectroscopy and single crystal X-ray crystallography. In a mixture of THF/H2O and a base, all threecatalyst precursors were able to hydrogenate CO2cleanly to formate as a product. However, the bestcombination of catalyst precursor and a base wasC1and DBU that selectively produced formate at amoderate temperature of 120 C and at 60 bar. The best productivity under these conditions is TOF of 35h 1within 2 h and a TON of 322. This work is significant because it provides a one-step synthesis forformate from CO2usinga-diimine-based complexes which can be synthesised in a one-step reaction. Thedensity functional theory calculations onC1supports that RueH is the active species in the process ofCO2hydrogenation to formate with the insertion of the CO2to RueH being the rate determining step.

Source: KNUST
Hypertension Clinic Registry: Blood Pressure Control Among Hypertensives In A Specialist-Led Clinic In Ghana

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: less than a third of those who receive treatment for hypertension get their blood pressure (BP) controlled to currently recommended targets. Failure of physicians to optimize treatment when encountered with blood pressure that are only fairly above the recommended control thresholds is largely responsible for the uncontrolled BP in treated patients. Knowing what and when to add up patient medication is crucial for an optimum BP control. This research study sought to determine the control of hypertension in a specialist led hypertensive clinic. METHODOLOGY: We used a retrospective study approach with close-ended questions and medical record review. Blood pressures were measured at booking, 12 months and 24 months using automated sphygmomanometers RESULTS: 361 patients were recruited for the study. The study revealed that more than half 223 (61.8%) were diagnosed with hypertension (HPT) only and 138 (38.2%) diagnosed of both HPT and diabetes. The majority 234 (64.8%) had family history of hypertension. At booking, almost three quarters 263 (72.9%) of the patients’ blood pressure were uncontrolled with a mean and standard deviation of 146.3 and 22.2 mmHg respectively. At the period of 12 months (1 year) more than 249 (69.0%) had controlled blood pressure with a mean and stand deviation of blood pressure of 128.0 and 16.4 mmHg. The majority 272 (75.3%) of the patients’ blood pressures were controlled at 24 months with a mean and standard deviation of 125.3 and 15.2 respectively. Patients on single antihypertensive medication were 2.68 times more likely to develop controlled BP as compared to patients on two and more antihypertensive medications (aOR=2.68, CI=1.33-5.41). Number of drugs taken per day was the strong factor associated with controlled BP at twelve months of follow up, such that patients on only one (aOR=7.27, CI=2.93-18.01) or two (aOR=2.49, CI=1.41-4.40) antihypertensive medication were 7.27 and 2.49 times more likely to have controlled BP respectively as compared to patients who were taking more than two antihypertensive medications CONCLUSION: Specialist-led clinic are effective in achieving good BP control and therefore effort should be made at establishing more of such clinics to reduce the burden of hypertension and achieve optimum blood pressure control among hypertensives. In addition, a combination therapy is preferred to reduce pill burden, increase compliance, and hence achieve optimum BP control. It is imperative for the National Health Insurance scheme to support and promote the usage of more combination therapies for optimal blood pressure control.

Source: KNUST
Hypertension and renal failure in Kumasi, Ghana

Hypertension is common in West Africa and likely to become more common as urbanisation increases. There are at present few facilities for the detection and management of hypertension so the influence it has on overall morbidity and mortality in the population is not clear. The objectives of the study were to assess: (a) renal disease and blood pressure related admissions and deaths among acute medical admissions to Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, during an 8-month period; and (b) the burden of renal disease among out-patient hypertensives at the same hospital. Ward admission books were examined in the four acute medical wards to ascertain admission diagnosis and cause of death (two 4-month periods in 1995 and 1996). Clinical assessment (blood pressure, plasma creatinine, proteinuria) was also made of 448 consecutive out-patient hypertensives seen between March 1995 and April 1996. Five Keywords: hypertension; renal disease; plasma creatinine; Ghanaians; West Africans Introduction Hypertension is an increasing problem in people of West African descent living in the western world.1,2 Studies in the United States3,4 and Britain5,6 have shown hypertension to be very common and its complications (stroke, heart failure, renal failure) a major cause of morbidity and mortality in black subjects in these countries. There are few data on the prevalence of hypertension in West Africa. Studies suggest that the prevalence of hypertension is higher in urban than rural areas.7–9 Increasing urbanisation in West Africa is associated with an increasing prevalence of hypertension9 so the burden of hypertension and its related complications on morbidity and mortality will rise. Indeed, hypertensive renal damage is the main cause of end-stage renal failure in black populations both in the UK10 and in West Africa.11,12 There is a lack of primary care facilities for the detection of hypertension in West Africa and clinics Correspondence: Dr JB Eastwood, Department of Renal Medicine, St George’s Hospital Medical School, Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 ORE, UK Received 27 March 1998; revised 25 July 1998; accepted 31 July 1998 hundred and ninety-three (17.9%) of 3317 acute medical admissions were ascribable to a cardiovascular cause (hypertension, heart failure, stroke); 171 (28.8%) of these died. One hundred and sixty-six (5.0%) had renal disease of whom 45 (27.1%) died, usually of end-stage renal disease. Among the 448 hypertensive out-patients, 30.2% (110 out of 365) had a plasma creatinine .140 mmol/l (48 > 400 mmol/l) and 25.5% (96 out of 376) had proteinuria. Eighty-nine of the 448 had a diastolic blood pressure >115 mm Hg; in this group 38 (42.7%) had a plasma creatinine of .140 mmol/l (and 18 or 20.2% >400 mmol/l). In conclusion, cardiovascular and renal disease are important contributors to morbidity and mortality among acute medical admissions to a large city hospital in Ghana. Among out-patient hypertensives renal disease is an important complication, especially in those with the more severe hypertension.

Source: KNUST
Hypertension Predictive Model with a Neural Network Approach: A Case Study of Kumasi Metropolis

Most countries face high and increasing rates of Cardiovascular Disease. Hypertension is a major risk factor for many ardiovascular diseases the number one killer disease in Ghana today and a leading cause of deaths in adults. The objective of this study is to identify differences in the measurements recorded between the group that develop hypertension and the group that does not develop it. Secondly, develop a predictive mathematical model to estimate whether a person will develop hypertension using Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) from the Data and Tracies Data Exploration Studio (Software). ANN Feed Forwarding with Back-propagation methodology was adopted to extract significant patterns from a dataset containing 1027 observations. Using, Age, Body Mass Index, Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressures as input descriptors. The data used for this study was collected by Healthy life Education, in the Kumasi metropolis, Ashanti Region of Ghana, West Africa. The findings of this study revealed that, the model built from ANN during a designed experiment, using different iterations gave the overall best model accuracy of 97.5% with a specificity of 98.2% and a sensitivity of 92.9%, showing that 16 people will be hypertensive. In conclusion, the study showed that the age group now for hypertensive state was below 50 years being overweight and pre-hypertensive. It was also predicted that 1.85% people will be hypertensive; hence increasing the state of hypertension. This means Artificial Neural networks techniques can be used efficiently to predict hypertension cases, therefore the outcome of this study can be used as an assistant tool by cardiologists to help them to make more consistent diagnosis for hypertension.

Source: KNUST