ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Bioavailability studies on a locally manufactured paracetamol tablet.

Bioavailability studies using urinary excretory data have been carried out. Paracetamol tablets from a Ghanaian Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Company were adequately identified quantified and their pharmaceutical equivalence with respect to a reference established. The fraction of dose excreted unchanged in urine by the test and reference samples, and the Relative Bioavailability of the test sample was determined using a crossover design. 1 000mg each of the test and reference samples were administered to the subjects in a lasting state, with a washout period of one week between drug administrations. Urine samples were collected and analysed at specified time intervals, spanning 24 hours. The analytical method employed was RP-LC with a stationary phase of Spherisord S5ODS I Phase Sep column and a mobile phase combination of Methanol, Water nd Glacial Acetic Acid in the ratio: 2$: 69: 3 respectively. Column eluate was monitored at 236nm a U V detector. The analysis was conducted at an ambient temperature with a flow rate of l.5ml/min. and 0.5AUFS. The mean percentage amounts of paracetamol excreted unchanged in urine was found to be 10.521 % and 10.691% 1br the test and reference samples respectively. The Relative Bioavailability of the test sample was found to be 98.41 % which is within the WI l( range of 80% to 1 25%. The determined means and standard deviations were statistical l compared and found not to differ significantly. The test and reference samples were found to be pharmaceutically equivalent, Bioequivalent and therapeutically equivalent. They are therefore interchangeable for therapeutic purposes.

Source: KNUST
Biochemical and Microbiological Analysis of Shea Nut Cake: A Waste Product from Shea Butter Processing

In the quest for finding alternative ways of utilizing shea nut cake produced in large quantities as a by-product by both the local and well established industries, 24 samples of shea nut cake were obtained from six industries to investigate the presence of microorganisms, minerals, proximate and phytochemical constituents. The samples were examined for total viable count, total coliforms, faecal and E. coli contamination as well as other coliforms bacteria. The shea nut cake samples were also screened for bioactive (medicinal) potentials capable of managing microbial diseases. The means in log cfu/g of total viable count, total coliforms, faecal coliforms and E.coli were 4.98 ± 1.17, 1.95 ± 0.74, 0.82 ± 0.49, and 0.48 ± 0.42 respectively. Other microbes identified were Brevibacilllus agri, Bacillus mycoides, Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. The phytochemical screening of extracts of the cake samples revealed that shea nut cake contains saponins, tannins, alkaloids, terpenoids and reducing sugar. The proximate results indicated that the shea nut cake has 13.03 ± 1.70% crude proteins, 59.37 ± 8.66% carbohydrates, 23.38 ± 10.15% crude fat, 4.25 ± 0.79% ash content, 5.29 ± 0.98% moisture and 8.71 ± 0.85% fibre. The Nitrogen, Potassium, and Magnesium contents of the cake were 2.96 ± 0.39, 4.05 ± 0.62, and 1.43 ± 0.65 mg/kg respectively. The rest of the minerals were Phosphorus 0.22 ± 0.04, Sodium 0.40 ± 0.05, Calcium 0.51 ± 0.09, Copper 0.09 ± 0.05, Mercury 0.10 ± 0.56 and Lead 0.13 ± 0.07 mg/kg. Lead exposures increase blood pressure in adults and have developmental and neurobehavioural effects on foetuses, infants and children. Mercury accumulates in the food chain when in organic form and it is toxic in the elemental form. This study highlights the potential applications of the shea nut cake in the animal feed, fertilizer and therapeutic industries.

Source: KNUST
Biochemical and Haematological Profile of Diabetic Nephropathy

Background: Diabetic nephropathy, a microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus is now considered to be the leading known cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in most countries. The objective of this study is to establish the haematological and biochemical profile of patients with diabetic nephropathy, so as to gain as much knowledge as possible about the disease, to help prevent the complication where possible and improve the quality of life of those affected. Method: A total of 101 type 2 diabetics with microalbuminuria (63) and overt nephropathy (38) were recruited for the study. 52 diabetics without nephropathy were recruited as controls. Structured questionnaires were administered to them and their venous blood samples taken for biochemical and haematological assays. Results: The mean age of the study group was 57.5 (± 9.6) years. Duration of disease and systolic blood pressure were significantly higher in the patient group (p<0.05). Total WBC and neutrophil count were also significantly higher in the patient group as compared to controls. Fasting blood sugar, serum albumin, globulin, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol were found to be significantly higher in the patient group (p<0.05). Serum urea, creatinine, sodium, chloride and total iron were also significantly higher in the group. eGFR and serum vitamin B12 were found to be significantly lower in the patient group. Conclusion: Diabetics who develop microalbuminuria and nephropathy have several haematological and biochemical abnormalities, and these should be assessed and analysed periodically to help effectively manage their conditions.

Source: KNUST
Biochemical and haematological profiles of anaemic pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital, Ghana.

Anaemia in pregnancy is a major public health problem associated with maternal morbidity and mortality, especially in developing countries. It is important that there should be a firm diagnosis of anaemia to unravel its possible cause(s) before the prescription of an appropriate therapeutic approach. The use of haemoglobin (HGB) level alone appears insufficient in determining the status of anaemia in pregnancy. It is hypothesised that a combination of biochemical and haematological parameters could enhance the diagnosis. A cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women attending their first antenatal visit at the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital Antenatal Clinic. Using a structured questionnaire, the socio-demographic data of the women were obtained. Venous blood was collected for haematological and biochemical analyses. Haematological parameters such as haemoglobin electrophoresis, white blood cells (WBCs), haemoglobin (HGB), haematocrit (HCT), red cell distribution width (RDW), mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) were determined. The biochemical parameters determined included ferritin, serum iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), transferrin saturation (TfS), C-Reactive Protein (CRP), bilirubin, etc. Also, thick blood films were prepared for malaria parasite identification, while early morning stool and midstream urine samples were used for the determination of enteric and urogenital parasites, respectively. It was found that younger age in pregnant women (<30 years) increased the risk of anaemia, with an odds ratio of 1.677(1.081-2.600). The study also found a significant association (p<0.05) between parity, gravidity and anaemia in pregnancy. Rural dwelling, and environmental factors such as source of drinking water (borehole, well) and presence of domestic animals also contributed to anaemia in pregnancy, (p-value<0.05). Considering the biochemical parameters, it iv was observed that serum iron and transferrin saturation had a significant association with anaemia in pregnancy; p-value<0.05. There was no significant difference (p-value>0.05) with regards to haemoglobinopathies and parasitic infections in the two groups of pregnant women. This study has succeeded in the advocacy for investigating the cause of anaemia before blindly treating patients with haematinics.

Source: KNUST
Biochemical and haematological responses of HIV patients co-infected with hepatitis b virus and hepatitis c virus to antiretroviral therapy

Background: The introduction of antiretroviral therapy has considerably helped improve the life expectancy of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-infected patients. This notwithstanding, the antiretroviral therapy (ART) has also been found to induce some biochemical and haematological abnormality in some HIV-infected patients. The ART-induced biochemical and haematological abnormality is noted to be sometime s complicated by co-infection with other pathogens such as, Hepatitis B Virus and Hepatitis C Virus. Aim: The aim, therefore, was to determine the biochemical and haematological responses in HIV-infected patients on antiretroviral therapy and those also co-infected with hepatitis B Virus or hepatitis C Virus in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality. Methods: A hospital-based prospective cohort study was conducted on 125 HIV patients from February, 2014 to May, 2015 at the Tarkwa Government Hospital. Data on socio-demography and exposure to risk factors associated with HBV and HCV co-infection were collected using structured questionnaire. Venous blood samples were collected from the participants for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HCV tests. Biochemical and haematological indices were obtained by estimation with Vitalab Selectra Junior Automatic chemistry analyzer and KX-21N Sysmex Automatic Haematology Analyzer. The biochemical and haematological parameters compared were haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, total white blood cell (WBC) count and lymphocyte counts and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatinine and urea, respectively. Comparison was made between the mean at pre-ART and at 6-month and 12-month post ART using two sample t-test at 5% level of significance. Results: Of the 125 HIV-infected patients included in the study, 39(31.20%) were males and 86(68.80%) were females with mean age (SD±) 38 (±9.7) years. The prevalence of HBV, HCV and HBV/HCV co-infection among the HIV patients were 22(17.60%), 9(7.20%) and 2(1.60%) respectively. Logistics regression analysis of history of exposure to multiple sexual partners, exposure to sharp objects, such as razor blades shared with others, exposure to tattoo, exposure to blood transfusion and exposure to intravenous drug revealed no significant association with HBV or HCV co-infection among the HIV patients. Serum urea increased significantly (p < 0.01) among patients infected with HIV alone at post ART. There was no significant difference in the Hb concentration, total WBC, Lymphocyte counts, AST, ALT, Urea and Creatinine concentrations between HIV patients co-infected with HBV or HCV and those without the co-infection. Conclusion: Biochemical and haematological responses of HIV patients on ART are not affected by co-infection with Hepatitis B Virus or Hepatitis C Virus. Limitation: Hepatitis B envelope antigen (HBeAg) and Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) were not tested to assess the stage of liver disease.

Source: KNUST
Biochemical indices of Burkitt's Lymphoma clinial relevance in prognosis and management

Endemic Burkitt’s lymphoma (eBL) is a juvenile malignant neoplasm of B-lymphocyte origin, markedly affected by climate, vegetation and geographical location. All outpatient clinical records of patients histologically and/or clinically diagnosed of BL from January, 2000 to December, 2007 at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Ghana, a country within the malaria and lymphoma belts of the world, were reviewed in a real country-based cross-sectional retrospective study. The effect of cyclical chemotherapy (Cyclophophamide, Vincristine, Methotrexate and Prednisolone) on serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatinine (Crt), sodium (Na), potassium (K), phosphorus (Phos), calcium (Ca), chloride (Cl) and uric acid (UA) in relation to treatment outcome in 76 newly diagnosed BL patients was also studied in a longitudinal prospective study . A mean age of 6.9 2.7 (mode: 7; range: 1-16) was observed. Males generally dominated in incidence (M: F= 1.43:1, p< 0.001) and significantly with facial presentation (p<0.05). Females weakly dominated in abdominal presentations (p>0.05). Age 4-8 years was the high risk range (p< 0.001) for both sexes. Males were affected early in life (4-7 years) compared to their female counterparts (6- 11 years). Of the 551 cases reviewed, 48.3%, 32.7%, 15.8% and 3.3% were tumour presentation(s) involving the face, abdomen, combined facial and abdominal and either facial or abdominal with central nervous system (CNS) involvement (usually paraplegia) respectively. An intriguing observation was evident between facial and combined facial and abdominal cases which exhibited direct reverse trends in incidence. Three regions within the forest zone individually showcased significantly higher (p< 0.001) incidences compared to their seven cohorts that constitute the coastal and savannah agro-ecological zones of Ghana. No region was explicitly associated with any particular clinical presentation. In addition to LDH and tumour stage which are known prognostic factors for high-grade XV non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas (NHLs), Crt (p< 0.001) and Cl (p= 0.039) were also identified as independent prognostic factors for eBL with respect to overall survival (OS) and were subsequently used in hazard modelling. LDH, Na and Ca showed significant (p<0.05) changes during cyclical chemotherapy within treatment time points and in comparism with healthy age-sex matched controls. Post intensive-treatment outcome was found to the associated with the trend of serum LDH, UA, Na, K and Ca after a three-month monitoring period. This study has shown that though BL can present with demographic patterns in prevalence within a given geographical location, no clinical characterisation can necessarily be found associated with such patterns. However, serum LDH, Crt, Cl and tumour stage can serve as important prognostic factors before chemotherapy, and serum LDH, UA, Na and K can be used for monitoring of cyclical chemotherapy to enhance OS in eBL.

Source: KNUST
Biochemical and Anthropometric Characterisation of hypertension in Kumasi

The surge in prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases like hypertension and chronic kidney disease has been linked with modifiable lifestyle practices and increased body fat. This study sought to evaluate the association between different modifiable lifestyle practices, adiposity indices, biochemical parameters and target cardiac and kidney organ damage among hypertensives in Kumasi. Using a hospital-based case–control study design, 241 Ghanaian indigenes from the Kumasi metropolis were recruited for this study. The case group was made up of, 180 hypertensives and 61 normotensives served as controls. In addition to socio-demographic data, all participants underwent standard haemodynamic, anthropometric, biochemical and cardiac organ damage assessment. In general, the case group presented with a significantly poorer atherogenic lipid profile compared to their counterparts in the control group. Increasing atherogenic dyslipidaemia was more prevalent with the presence of cardiac target organ damage. The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) ranged between 13.3% to 16.6% depending on the equation used in estimating the glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Chronic kidney disease was significantly higher among self-reported smoker and alcoholic hypertensives. Among the commonly used athropometric measures, a population-specific threshold for waist circumference of >75cm for females and >80cm for male were the best adiposity indices for discriminating hypertension. However significant improvement in prediction was achieved with the use of conicity index (>1.08 female, >1.05 male). The sole reliance on body mass index in the determination of obesity and associatd health risks must be discontinued to incorporate more sensitive anthropometric markers.

Source: KNUST
Bioconversion of Organic Fraction of Solid Waste Using the Larvae of the Black Soldier Fly (Hermentia illucens)

Ghana like many other developing countries is battling with challenges pertaining to effective ways of managing solid waste. Usually, waste management companies are unable to collect efficiently the waste produced in various municipals and thereby always leaving a back log. The larvae of the black soldier fly, Hermentia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) has been propagated as a feeder of organic material and may be used in simple engineered systems to reduce organic waste in developing countries. This research sought to assess the use of black soldier fly larvae to digest and degrade organic food waste collected from a restaurant – Obaapa – on the KNUST campus in a small-scale laboratory experiment in Ghana. To cultivate the BSF larvae, one has to apply an attractant (carcass of rat meat, fresh fish, chicken feed and human faeces) to attract matured flies. The BSF is ascertained by observation and separation. Afterwards, the larvae are generated by providing ideal moisture conditions for the larvae to hatch from the eggs. In the laboratory experiment, 5 feed classes code named B25, B75, B100, B125 and B200 with feeding rates of 0.25, 0.75, 1.00, 1.25 and 2.00 g/larvae/ day were fed in a small experiment box (in triplicates). These were inoculated with 50 larvae each of 5-6 day old BSF larvae. The research concludes that, a daily feeding rate of 1.00g of food waste per larvae per day is able to meet high organic matter extraction within a shorter period to produce better prepupal yield. Thus, for a 1 tonne waste, a million larvae are needed to successfully reduce it by 91.25% in 5days. This research proves that the larvae of the Black Soldier Fly (Hermentia illucens), are able to digest and degrade municipal organic solid waste in Ghana between 44-94%.

Source: KNUST
Biodegradation of Used Lubricating Engine Oil Contaminated Water Using Indigenous Hydrocarbon Degrading Microbes in a Fixed Bed Bioreactor System

The performance of a mixed population of hydrocarbon-degrading microbes in degrading hydrocarbon contaminants in water was investigated using a fixed bed bioreactor system. Hydrocarbon-degrading microbes used for the study were isolated from oil-contaminated soil and further cultured in a nutrient medium. Sample concentrations of 500 mg/L, 1000 mg/L, 2000 mg/L and 6000 mg/L were studied. Each sample concentration was studied at loading rates of 0.5 L/min, 1.0 L/min, and 2.0 L/min for a week. Total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH), pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), conductivity and the microbial population density were measured to ascertain the progress of microbial degradation of the oil contaminant in the water. A minimum degradation rate of 36.83±0.00 % was achieved at the least administered loading rate of 0.5 L/min at 1000 mg/L oil concentration. Maximum degradation rate of 93.85±0.00 % was also achieved at loading rate of 1.0 L/min at the highest oil concentration of 6000 mg/L. The minimum and maximum degradation rates were achieved by microbial populations of 1.53E+13 and 1.50E+13 respectively. The study revealed higher degradation rates occurring at higher oil concentrations and loading rates. The hydrocarbon degradation occurred in an optimum pH range of 6.63 and 7.32 and a temperature range of 27.3°C and 29.9°C.

Source: KNUST
Bioefficacy of Garlic, Allium sativum and Tobacco Nicotiana tabacum on Mortality, Ovipository Inhibition and Adult Emergence of the Cowpea Beetle Callosobruchus maculatus (Fab.) on Cowpea Vigna unguiculata (L.) (Walp.)

Aims: To evaluate the efficacy of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of garlic and tobacco in the management of the cowpea beetle (Callosobruchus maculatus) and how these affect oviposition by adult females, adult emergence and sex ratio. Study Design: The study was conducted in a randomised complete block design consisting of six treatments and three replications. Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was carried out at the Biocontrol Section of CropsResearch Institute, Kwadaso, Kumasi over a four month period. Methodology: Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of garlic and tobacco leaves were prepared; these preparations were compared with a standard chemical insecticide, Betallic and a control. Four kilogrammes of untreated cowpea seeds were sorted to obtain whole uninfested grains. Six hundred of the sorted seeds were placed in 1L Kilner jars. Fifty millilitres of each extract was sprayed onto the seeds in their respective jars and allowed to dry. Ten pairs of adult C. maculatus were introduced into each jar. Similar set-ups were done with the insecticide and control seeds. Mortality was recorded every 6 hours after treatment for 24 hours. Data were also collected on oviposition, adult emergence and sex ratio. Results: Garlic-treated seeds did not record any mortality within the first 18 hours; no mortality was recorded in the control seeds, whereas the insecticide-treated seeds recorded 100 % mortality. Significantly fewer eggs were laid on the treated seeds than the control seeds. Sex ratio of the emerged adults varied within the period of observation. Aqueous extracts of the botanicals performed better in terms of insect control and oviposition inhibition than the ethanolic extracts. Conclusion: Aqueous extracts of both plants produced better results than the ethanolic extracts. Aqueous extract, being cheaper, easier and safer to prepare could be adopted by the average small-scale farmer to manage C. maculatus.

Source: KNUST
Bioequivalence studies of locally manufactured analgesic (Paracod) tablet

A reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was developed for the simultaneous determination of free codeine and paracetamol in urine. A separation was obtained with the mobile phase composition of Methanol-2.5% Glacial acetic acid (15:85, v/v) under isocratic conditions. The separation was achieved with a detector wavelength of 245nm using acetanilide as the internal standard. The proposed method was found to be linear and reproducible. The bioequivalence of a locally manufactured analgesic tablet (PARACOD) and a reference analgesic tablet (CO-CODAMOL) was studied. The drug products met all the pharmacopoeia standards of identity, strength and purity. The relative bioavailability of paracetamol (test drug) and codeine (test drug) were respectively 94.31% and 99.46%. The drug products were bioequivalent.

Source: KNUST
Bioequivalence study of locally manufactured ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets (ciflox) using urinary excretion data

Bioequivalence studies were conducted in two brands of ciprofloxacin 500mg tablets (ciflox and Ciprinol) in ten(10) healthy male adult volunteers using uninary excretory data. Cifox was the text product and Ciprinol served as reference......................

Source: KNUST
Biogas Production From Kitchen Waste Generated On KNUST Campus

The staggering potential environmental problems linked to organic fraction of municipal solid waste which is mostly landfilled have fostered the need for a biological treatment using anaerobic digestion. This is an attractive technology for waste stabilization with potential mass and volume reduction and significantly the generation of valuable by-products such as biogas and compost material. This research work focused on the biogas production from kitchen waste generated on the KNUST campus. The experiment was carried out in a multi-stage anaerobic digestion system operated under mesophilic temperature. Various process parameters were measured including temperature, pH, conductivity, total solids, moisture content, BOD, percentage BOD removal, biogas production and biogas production rate. The waste degraded at a rate of 36.1±2.2% / day, with average biogas production of 8.9±3.15 litres per day. Maximum biogas production rate per kilogram of total solids (TS) was 4.5±1.6 L/kg TS of biogas per day.

Source: KNUST