ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Chemical composition and nutritive value of leaves and stems of tropical weed Chromolaena odorata

Chromolaena odorata (Siam weed) has been classi®ed as a weed plant in West Africa. Data from C. odorata foliage after 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 weeks of regrowth showed that the leaf fraction had a crude protein content above 194 g kg±1 dry matter (DM) and an average leaf to stem ratio of 2á1:1. Chemical analysis of the leaf fraction of an 8-week-old regrowth indicated a high crude protein content (258 g kg±1 DM) and a high degradable nitrogen content (60á7 g N kg±1 digestible organic matter), but low neutral-detergent ®bre (331 g kg±1 DM), aciddetergent lignin (53á1 g kg±1 DM), total extractable phenolic (37á1 g kg±1 DM), extractable tannin (0á72 absorbance at 550 nm) and extractable condensed tannin (1á4 g kg±1 DM) contents. In sacco degradability analysis of the 8-week-old regrowth leaf sample showed a high 48 h organic matter (935 g kg±1 DM) and crude protein (953 g kg±1 DM) degradability. The leaf sample had an organic matter degradability of 670 g kg±1 DM as estimated by cumulative gas production in vitro after 24 h incubation. There was little or no phenolic-related antinutritive factors in C. odorata. Additionally, leaf samples had no effect on rumen protozoa activity estimated as the rate of [14C]leucine Selenomonas ruminantum bacterial protein breakdown. Data from this study suggest that C. odorata leaves are of high nutritive value and might have the potential to be used as a protein supplement to ruminants. There is need for further investigation to test whether C. odorata leaves may have any deleterious effect on the host animal

Source: UCC
Chemical Composition of Selected Artificial Food Enhancers in Ghana

The study looked at artificial food seasonings/enhancers and their composition at Subin Sub Metro of Kumasi. Descriptive research and Experimental designs were used. Eighty respondents were sampled purposefully from artificial food seasonings sellers for the descriptive research aspect of the study. Ten most purchased seasonings were selected and analysed in the laboratory. The data collected were analysed using IBM/SPSS Version 25 for Windows. The demographic data of the respondents were presented using frequencies and percentages. Results from objective 3 were compared to recommended standards. The hypotheses formulated were tested with the help of one sample t-test and chi-square 0.05 alpha. The results showed that the most purchased artificial food seasonings were Jara, Minazen, B-3 Chicken, A-one Beef, Mr. Chef, Samu, Onga chicken, Adja, Remie chicken and Maggie Cube. The chemical constituents found in the artificial food enhancers included Acid insoluble ash, Arsenic, Fat, Iron, Lead, Nitrogen, Sodium chloride and Total ash. There were no statistically significant differences in the types and levels of chemical components of the selected food seasonings from the market and the recommended standards (p<0.05). The compounds found were in line with recommended standards for consumption. The list of the most bought seasonings and their associated chemical constituents showed that if consumed in reasonable amounts, may not necessarily cause any health problems.

Source: UCC
Chemical composition, in sacco degradation and in vitro gas production of some Ghanaian browse plants

The nutritive value of leaves from four Ghanaian fodder trees, that is, Spondias mombin, Antiaris toxicaria, Baphia nitida and Ficus exasperata and three shrubs, that is, Thespesia populnea, Grewia carpinifolia and Griffornia simplicifolea, were evaluated by chemical, in sacco and in vitro methods. Introduced Gliricidia sepium leaves were included as control feed. Chemical analysis indicated that all samples were high in N (2.84%±4.08%) and low in neutral detergent fibre (NDF) (36.0%±60.6%). With the exception of S. mombin leaves, which had 10.5% total extractable phenolic and 8.6% extractable tannin content, all other tested feeds were low in extractable phenolics (0.56%±3.18%), extractable tannins (0.11%±2.52%) and condensed tannins (<1.21%). Dry matter (DM) and protein degradation after 48 h incubation in sacco ranged from 60.0%±87.5% and 73.1%±93.4%, respectively. B. nitida showed the lowest degradability values (45.7% and 52.5%, respectively). A similar trend was observed from the in vitro gas production data. Use of polyethylene glycol 4000 (phenolic binding agent) indicated that inhibitory effect of phenolics on rumen microbial fermentation was minimal. Data from this study have shown that such Ghanaian browse plants have potential to be used as feed supplements. # 1998 Elsevier Science B.V

Source: UCC
Chemical Control of Canada Thistle

Field studies were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of one, two, and three annual applications of atrazine [2-chloro4-(ethylamino) -6-(isopropylamino)-s-triazine], 2,4-D [(2,4-dichlorophenoxy) acetic acid], dicamba (3,6-dichloro-oanisic acid), and a three way mix of dicamba, mecoprop [2-4(4-chloro-o-tolyl) oxyl propionic acid], and 2,4-D at a ratio of 7:5:20 at different stages of development for the control of Canada thistle [Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop.]. Two consecutive annual applications in all atrazine treatments achieved the same level of control as cultivation every 5 weeks. In the year of the last treatment, Canada thistle was controlled with two or more consecutive annual applications of the hormonetype herbicides (2,4-D, dicamba, and the three way mix); however, in the year following the last treatment, regrowth occurred

Source: UCC
Chemical modification of the biologically active compound, thymol

The study was earned to chemically modify a biologically active compound thymol, on the hydroxyl (-OH) functional group into its ester, ether and triazole derivatives. A generalised esterification and etherification reactions were employed to introduce an ester and ether functional groups respectively, and the azide-alkyne click reaction was employed to introduce the triazole moiety. Sixteen ester and nine ether derivatives of thymol were synthesised of which eight esters and five ethers are been reported for the first time. Ten novel 1, 2, 3-triazole derivatives of thymol were successfully synthesised. Two novel thymol-parthenin coupled products were successfully synthesised. All the prepared compounds were in excellent yields and of high purity. The compounds were characterised by one or more of the following spectral data; ’H-NMR, 13C-NMR, LC-QTOF/MS, GC-MS-E1/CI and IR. The larvicidal and adulticidal assay of the ester and ether derivatives against the Anopheles gambiae s.s revealed they possess moderate to excellent drug-like characteristics. The most potent larvicidal derivative, 2-Isopropyl-5- methylphenoxy-3-chloro methyl benzene (TM 20) recorded an LC50 value of 1.90 mg/L after 12 hours of exposure time, about 8 folds higher in potency compared to the parent compound, thymol with an LC50 value of 15.01 mg/L after 72 hours of exposure time. The most potent adulticidal derivative is 2- lsopropyl-5-methylphenyl-2-methylpropanoate (TM 1C) with an LC50 value of 16.02 mg/L compared to thymol with an LC50 value of 27.60 mg/L after seven days of exposure time. These derivatives could serve as useful candidate insecticides against the larvae and adult female Anopheles gambiae s.s since they showed the highest bioactivity.

Source: UCC
Chemical profile and in vivo toxicity evaluation of unripe Citrus aurantifolia essential oil

Citrus aurantifolia (Christm.) Swingle (syn. C. MEDICA var. ACIDA Brandis) (family: Rutaceae) essential oil is one of the cheapest oils found in local markets. Although, it is generally accepted as non-toxic to vital organs and cells, majority of people are cynical about it usage. Herein, the present study reports the chemical composition and in vivo oral toxicity study of unripe C. aurantifolia essential oil found in Ghana. The toxicity of C. aurantifolia essential oil extract was investigated via oral administration using two methods: The acute toxicity single dose study (SDS) and the repeated dose method. The oil exhibited no acute toxicity but in the sub-chronic studies, the effects was dose and time-dependent. Chemical profile investigation of the oil showed 9 constituent of phyto- chemicals (Germacrene isomers (61.2%), Pineen (14%), Linalool dimmer (2.9%), Bornane (11%), Citral (2.9%), Anethole (1.5%), Anisole (1.1%), Safrole (0.3%) and Demitol (0.6%)). Histopathological studies revealed con- ditions such as necrosis, edema and inflammatory reaction in the liver, spleen and kidneys. Marginal upsurge of biochemical parameters above normal and elevated levels of lymphocytes (35.20–46.40 g/dL) demonstrated mild toxicity among the 100 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg dose groups at the sub-chronic stage. Low levels of he- moglobin (13.60 to 12.70 g/dL), MCV (34.20–24.0 fL), MCH (40.20–36.40 g/dL) along with high levels of liver enzymes confirmed the mild toxicity of the oil at sub-chronic stage. These results demonstrate that, despite consideration of lime essential oil as safe, it can have mild hematotoxic, nephrotoxic and hepatotoxic effects.

Source: UCC
Chemical profle and in vivo toxicity evaluation of unripe Citrus aurantifolia essential oil

Citrus aurantifolia (Christm.) Swingle (syn. C. MEDICA var. ACIDA Brandis) (family: Rutaceae) essential oil is one of the cheapest oils found in local markets. Although, it is generally accepted as non-toxic to vital organs and cells, majority of people are cynical about it usage. Herein, the present study reports the chemical composition and in vivo oral toxicity study of unripe C. aurantifolia essential oil found in Ghana. The toxicity of C. aurantifolia essential oil extract was investigated via oral administration using two methods: The acute toxicity single dose study (SDS) and the repeated dose method. The oil exhibited no acute toxicity but in the sub-chronic studies, the effects were dose and time-dependent. Chemical profile investigation of the oil showed 9 constituent of phytochemicals (Germacrene isomers (61.2%), Pineen (14%), Linalool dimmer (2.9%), Bornane (11%), Citral (2.9%), Anethole (1.5%), Anisole (1.1%), Safrole (0.3%) and Demitol (0.6%)). Histopathological studies revealed conditions such as necrosis, edema and inflammatory reaction in the liver, spleen and kidneys. Marginal upsurge of biochemical parameters above normal and elevated levels of lymphocytes (35.20–46.40 g/dL) demonstrated mild toxicity among the 100 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg dose groups at the sub-chronic stage. Low levels of hemoglobin (13.60 to 12.70 g/dL), MCV (34.20–24.0 fL), MCH (40.20–36.40 g/dL) along with high levels of liver enzymes confirmed the mild toxicity of the oil at sub-chronic stage. These results demonstrate that, despite consideration of lime essential oil as safe, it can have mild hematotoxic, nephrotoxic and hepatotoxic effects

Source: UCC
Chemical studies on the parasitic plant Thonningia sanguinea Vahl†

Thonningia anguinea Vahl plays an important role in traditional medicine in many African cultures. A study of the n-hexane fraction of the whole plant of T. anguinea led to the isolation of two glucocerebroside molecular species TSC-1 and TSC-2, one b-sitosteryl-3b-D-glucopyranoside-60 -O-fatty acid estermolecular species,TSS-1, and seven known triterpenes (1–7). The ethyl acetate fraction also afforded five known lignans (8–12) and one known favanone (13). Their structures were elucidated by means of chemical and spectroscopic methods (methanolysis, NMR and mass spectrometry). Spectral analyses of the glucocerebrosides revealed mainly sphingosine-type (TSC-1) and phytosphingosine-type (TSC-2) cerebrosides, with both possessing mainly 2-hydroxy fatty acid and b-D-glucopyranose moieties.TSS-1 was found to be a b-sitosterol-type with fatty acid methyl esters and b-D-glucopyranoside moieties. Theclasses of compounds isolated from this plant are well known for their interesting biological activities including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and analgesic. They may therefore be responsible in part or in whole for these activities, hence validating the traditional uses of the plant. To the best of our knowledge, this is the frst report on the isolation of all these compounds from T. Sanguinea

Source: UCC
Chemistry Teachers‟ and Students‟ Conceptual Understanding of Organic Qualitative Analysis

Organic qualitative analysis is one of the challenging chemical concept in the teaching and learning of chemistry. The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) Chemistry Chief Examiners for years, have lamented on students‟ poor performance in organic qualitative analysis at the senior high school level. This study, therefore, investigated chemistry teachers‟ and students‟ conceptual understanding of organic qualitative analysis. A sequential explanatory mixed methods design was used to collect both quantitative and qualitative data from 263 SHS 3 students and 47 teachers from six public schools in Central Region. The teachers and students were selected through multistage sampling technique. Diagnostic test, interviews, and observation checklist were used to collect data from the participants. Data was analysed using percentages, means, standard deviations, independent-samples t-test, and themes. The results from the study showed that teachers demonstrated partial level of conceptual understanding and their students demonstrated no scientific understanding on organic qualitative analysis. It is, therefore, recommended that the Ministry of Education through the Ghana Education Service should liaise with teacher education universities to organise short courses for teachers to help them upgrade their content knowledge in chemistry.

Source: UCC
Chemoresistance to Cancer Treatment: Benzo-α-Pyrene as Friend or Foe?

Abstract: Background: Environmental pollution such as exposure to pro-carcinogens including benzo-α-pyrene is becoming a major problem globally. Moreover, the effects of benzo-α-pyrene (BaP) on drug pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and drug resistance warrant further investigation, especially in cancer outpatient chemotherapy where exposure to environmental pollutants might occur. Method: We report here on the effects of benzo-α-pyrene on esophageal cancer cells in vitro, alone, or in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs cisplatin, 5-flurouracil, or paclitaxel. As the study endpoints, we employed expression of proteins involved in cell proliferation, drug metabolism, apoptosis, cell cycle analysis, colony formation, migration, and signaling cascades in the WHCO1 esophageal cancer cell line after 24 h of treatment. Results: Benzo-α-pyrene had no significant effect on WHCO1 cancer cell proliferation but reversed the effect of chemotherapeutic drugs by reducing drug-induced cell death and apoptosis by 30–40% compared to drug-treated cells. The three drugs significantly reduced WHCO1 cell migration by 40–50% compared to control and BaP-treated cells. Combined exposure to drugs was associated with significantly increased apoptosis and reduced colony formation. Evaluation of survival signaling cascades showed that although the MEK-ERK and Akt pathways were activated in the presence of drugs, BaP was a stronger activator of the MEK-ERK and Akt pathways than the drugs. Conclusion: The present study suggest that BaP can reverse the effects of drugs on cancer cells via the activation of survival signaling pathways and upregulation of anti-apoptotic proteins such as Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL. Our data show that BaP contribute to the development of chemoresistant cancer cells.

Source: UCC
Chest Computed Tomography findings in patients with corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19): An initial experience in three centres in Ghana, West Africa

Background: Radiological examinations have a significant role in the diagnosis and management of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID- 19), the disease caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Many COVID-19 patients show typical Chest Computed Tomography (CT Scan) features which can aid in the diagnoses and triaging of such patients. This is especially so in resource-limited settings where access to molecular diagnostic techniques such as Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) is not optimal. We report chest CT findings in 28 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in Ghana. Objective: To document common chest CT scan findings amongst patients with COVID-19 infection in Ghana. Method: Chest CT scans of twenty-eight COVID-19 patients (n ¼ 28) were retrieved and reviewed independently by two experienced radiologists and their findings documented. Two 64 and one 32 slice spiral CT scanners were used at three centres. Results: Chest CT Images from 16 males (57.1.7%) and 12 females (42.9%) patients aged between 36 and 65 years with mean age of 55.9 years (SD-8.4years) were evaluated. Of these, 21 (75.0%) of them were COVID-19 patients who were undiagnosed at the time of imaging while 7 (25.0%) were known confirmed COVID-19 patients. On the chest CT scans (n ¼ 28), 17 (66.7%) patients showed predominantly ground glass opacities while 12 (42.9%) had evidence of consolidation predominantly. In 26 (92.9%) of the patients, the opacities were bilateral and peripheral in distribution. None of these patients had pleural effusion. Conclusion: COVID-19 patients tend to manifest typical imaging features on chest CT scan. The most common chest imaging finding was bilateral, peripheral and predominantly basal ground glass opacities. Importantly, these findings were frequently obtained before PCR diagnosis. Chest CT scan can help in the diagnosis and triaging of suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients in jurisdictions with limited PCR diagnostic capacity and can improve early isolation, contact tracing and treatment thus helping to reduce community spread, morbidity and mortality

Source: UCC
Chieftaincy and the implantation of christianity: An analysis of the contact between the chiefs and the activities of the European missionaries in Ghana, 1482-1969

Chieftaincy as an institution was in existence before the advent of the Europeans in West Africa in the second decade of the fifteenth century. The Europeans first arrived on the coast of modern Ghana in 1471. Christianity, on the other hand, started in the Gold Coast in 1482 when Don Diego d’Azambuja came to the country with some European Christian missionaries, (E.C.M.) specifically, the Roman Catholic priests from Portugal. As foreigners, the E.C.M. needed to contact the indigenes. The Chiefs, both political and religious leaders, were the first point of call by these missionaries as custom demands. As custodians of the land, the Chiefs provided places for the construction of chapels and other social amenities set up by the various Christian missions which operated tin Ghana. This meant that there was an interaction between the Chiefs and the EC.Ms. in Ghana. This paper, which is multi sourced, uses archival data, interviews and scholarly secondary sources in the form of books and journal articles, to examine how the E.C.M. fared in the hands of the Chiefs in Ghana (the Gold Coast). To this end, the paper offers an overview of the position of the chiefs in pre-colonial and colonial Ghana, the historical interaction between the chiefs and the E.C.M. The paper argues that the efforts of the E.C.M. in Ghana would have been fruitless had it not been the support they received from the host communities led by their chiefs

Source: UCC
Child caregiving practices in the Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana

As work practices and living arrangements change rapidly in Ghana, mothers, who are considered as primary child caregivers, despite the considerable changes in gender roles, can be faced with making difficult decisions as they try to balance childcare with the demands of the workplace. Consequently, a large number of children grow up in the care of their mothers and other household non-maternal child caregivers. Despite these childcare arrangements, a comparative study of child caregiving practices of mothers and other household non-maternal caregivers and how their caregiving practices impact on children’s health and survival outcomes have not been widely studied, hence the study to bridge this knowledge gap. The study focused on three main areas consisting of children’s illnesses management, feeding practices and intra household decision-making on childcare. It employed a qualitative research method approach comprising in-depth interviews with mothers, household non-maternal child caregivers, key informants, non-participant observation and a small number of focus group discussions. Key findings from the study were that there were some push factors on mothers to engage household non-maternal caregivers as well as pull factors for people wanting to become household non-maternal caregivers. Also, some differences existed in the childcare practices of the two caregivers which have the potential to negatively influence child health outcomes. The study also found out that trust, communication and reciprocity between the caregivers were very influential in determining the quality of childcare provided by the caregivers. It is recommended that a guideline or policy should be promulgated in Ghana to regulate the engagement and practices of household non-maternal child caregivers in the country.

Source: UCC
Child caregiving practices in the Kumasi metrropolis. Ghana

As work practices and living arrangements change rapidly in Ghana. Mothers. Who are considered as primary child caregivers. Despite the considerable changes in gender roles. Can be faced with making difficult decisions as they try to balance childcare with the demands of the workplace. Consequently. A large number of children grow up in the care of their mothers and other household non-maternal child caregivers. Despite these childcare arrangements, a comparative study of child caregiving practices of mothers and other household non-maternal caregivers and how their caregiving practices impact on children's health and survival outcomes have not been widely studied. Hence the study to bridge this knowledge gap. The study focused on three main areas consisting of children's illnesses management, feeding practices and intra household decision-making on childcare. It employed a qualitative research method approach comprising in-depth interviews with mothers. Household non-maternal child caregivers. Key informants. Non­ participant observation and a small number of focus group discussions. Key findings from the study were that there were some push factors on mothers to engage household non-maternal caregivers as well as pull factors for people wanting to become household non-maternal caregivers. Also. Some differences existed in the childcare practices of the two caregivers which have the potential to negatively influence child health outcomes. The study also found out that trust, communication and reciprocity between the caregivers were very influential in determining the quality of childcare provided by the caregivers. It is recommended that a guideline or policy should be promulgated in Ghana to regulate the engagement and practices of household non-maternal child caregivers in the country.

Source: UCC