Research Articles

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A research article reports the results of original research, assesses its contribution to the body of knowledge in a given area, and is published in a peer-reviewed scholarly journal. The faculty publications through published and on-going articles/researches are captured in this community

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    Acceptability of Multiple Micronutrient-Fortified Bouillon Cubes among Women and Their Households in 2 Districts in The Northern Region of Ghana
    (Current Developments in Nutrition, 2024) Wessells, K. R.; Adu-Afarwuah, S.; Nyaaba, K. W.; et al
    Background: Bouillon is a promising large-scale food fortification vehicle, but there is uncertainty regarding the types and concentrations of micronutrients that are feasible to add without compromising consumer acceptability. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the acceptability of 2 different multiple micronutrient-fortified bouillon cube for mulations, compared with a bouillon cube fortified with iodine only. Methods: We conducted a double-blind, randomized, controlled acceptability study in 2 districts in northern Ghana. Two nonproprietary, noncommercialized formulations of multiple micronutrient-fortified bouillon cubes containing iron, zinc, folic acid, vitamins A and B12, and iodine at “upper-level” (45-125% CODEX NRV/2.5g) or “lower-level” (15-50% CODEX NRV/2.5g) concentrations, and a control cube that contained iodine only (50% CODEX NRV/2.5g) were evaluated. Eligible women (n ¼ 84) were invited to participate in 1) center-based sensory evaluations designed to permit within-individual comparisons among the different study products; and 2) in-home evaluation of bouillon acceptability and use, in which participants were randomized to receive 1 of the 3 study products to use in household cooking for a 2-wk period. Acceptance test ratings were based on a 5-point Likert scale (1 ¼ dislike very much, 5 ¼ like very much). Results: In the center-based evaluations, overall liking of the 3 bouillon cube formulations both dry and in prepared dishes ranged from 4.3 to 4.6 on the 5-point Likert scale and did not differ among formulations (P > 0.05). After the 2-wk in-home trial, 93.8% of index participants (n ¼ 75/80) rated their overall liking of the bouillon product formulation to which they were randomly assigned as “like” or “like very much” (4–5 on the 5-point Likert scale) and median apparent intake of study-provided bouillon over 2 wk was 3.6 g/capita/d; neither value differed by study group (P ¼ 0.91 for both). Conclusions: All 3 formulations of bouillon cubes assessed were acceptable to women and their households in 2 districts in northern Ghana. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT05177614.
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    Indigenous risk management practices and their effects on small agribusiness firm growth amid economic crisis in Ghana
    (Scientific African, 2024) Boakye, A. A.; Ankrah, D. A.; Agyei-Holmes, A.; et al
    This paper estimates the effect of indigenous risk management practices (used by entrepreneurs) on small firm growth amid the current economic crisis in Ghana. The paper hypothesizes that indigenous risk management practices positively affect the growth of informal micro and small agri-food processing firms during the current economic crisis in Ghana. Cross–sectional and limited panel data (covering four years – from the end of 2019 to the end of 2022) have been used in the analysis. Firm Growth has been estimated using sales volume and the number of employees. Findings indicate that apart from savings for business purposes as an indigenous risk management strategy, diversification of economic activities, subscription to formal insurance, forward con tracting, cooperative marketing, borrowing, sale of assets, and temporary wage employment outside the business exert a positive influence on small firm growth in terms of sales. Subscription to formal insurance and temporary wages outside the entrepreneur’s business positively influence firm growth as related to growth in employee size. We recommend that policymakers design and implement policies that initiate and facilitate the development of marketing cooperatives to negotiate fair prices. This essential tool can help mitigate marketing risks to the agri-food pro cessing entrepreneur. The police should facilitate rolling out skills development programs to increase entrepreneurs’ capacities in forward contracting arrangements. Again, entrepreneurs of agri-food processing firms in the wider Ghanaian population should be educated on the need to subscribe to formal insurance to insulate them in times of property loss or personal accidents.
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    In-vitro and in-vivo anti-inflammatory properties of extracts and isolates of Pangdahai
    (Phytomedicine Plus, 2024) Oppong, M. B.; Lartey, M.; Adutwum, L. A.; et al
    Background: : Pangdahai (matured, ripened, and dried seeds of Scaphium affine (Mast.) Pierre) is widely used in managing several diseases in countries like China, Vietnam, Japan, and India. This study evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of the crude extracts (ethanol and aqueous) and isolated compounds of Pangdahai. Methods:: Xylene-induced ear edema in mice, carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats, and nitric oxide (NO) assay were used to evaluate and screen the crude extracts and isolated compounds from the ethanolic extracts of Pangdahai. TNF-α and IL-1β levels in the tissues of rat foot and ear were determined by ELISA. The cytotoxicity of the isolated compounds was also determined by MTT assay. Molecular docking studies using targets involved in the inflammatory process were also used to further evaluate the compounds. Results: : Both aqueous and ethanol extracts demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory effect and markedly attenuated vascular permeability in mice induced by acetic acid in a dose-independent manner. The ethanol extract also significantly inhibited levels of IL-1β and TNF-α. Four (4) compounds exhibited significant inhibitory effects on NO release without cytotoxicity on RAW 264.7 macrophage. These compounds also showed good binding affinities for COX-2, PLA2, IRAK-4 and NIK. Conclusions: This study validates, provides scientific evidence and justification for the use of the aqueous de coctions of Pangdahai in pharyngitis traditionally. (+) – Pinoresinol, tiliroside, Z-caffeic acid, and 3,4-dihydrox ybenzoic acid (protocatechuic acid) isolated from Pangdahai showed anti-inflammatory activities, which might be responsible for the actions of Pangdahai. Tiliroside showed a high binding affinity comparable to the native ligands of inflammatory mediators.
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    In vitro assessment of crude oil degradation by Acinetobacter junii and Alcanivorax xenomutans isolated from the coast of Ghana
    (Heliyon, 2024) Gyasi, S. F.; Adu, B.; Appiah, A. S.; et al
    This study was aimed at using in vitro microcosm experiments to assess crude oil degradation efficiency of Acinetobacter junii and Alcanivorax xenomutans isolated along Ghana’s coast. Un contaminated seawater from selected locations along the coast was used to isolate bacterial species by employing enrichment culture procedures with crude oil as the only carbon source. The isolates were identified by means of the extended direct colony transfer method of the Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectroscopy (MALDI-TOF MS), as Acinetobacter junii, and Alcanivorax xenomutans. Remediation tests showed that Acinetobacter junii yielded degradation efficiencies of 27.59 %, 41.38 % and 57.47 %. Whereas efficiencies of 21.14 %, 32.18 % and 43.68 % were recorded by Alcanivorax xenomutans representing 15, 30 and 45 days respectively. Consortia of Acinetobacter junii, and Alcanivorax xenomutans also yielded 32.18 %, 48.28 % and 62.07 % for the selected days respectively. Phylogenetic characterization using ClustalW and BLAST of sequences generated from the Oxford Nanopore Sequencing technique, showed that the Ghanaian isolates clustered with Alcanivorax xenomutans and Acinetobacter junii species respectively. An analysis of the sequenced data for the 1394-bp portion of the 16S rRNA gene of the isolates revealed >99 % sequence identity with the isolates present on the GenBank database. The isolates of closest identity were Alcanivorax xenomutans and Acinetobacter junii with accession numbers, NR_133958.1 and KJ147060.1 respectively. Acinetobacter junii and Alcani vorax xenomutans isolated from Ghana’s coast under pristine seawater conditions have therefore demonstrated their capacity to be used for the remediation of crude oil spills.
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    Acceptability of Multiple Micronutrient-Fortified Bouillon Cubes among Women and Their Households in 2 Districts in The Northern Region of Ghana
    (Current Developments in Nutrition, 2024) Wessells, K. R.; Nyaaba, K. W.; Adu-Afarwuah, S.; et al
    Background: Bouillon is a promising large-scale food fortification vehicle, but there is uncertainty regarding the types and concentrations of micronutrients that are feasible to add without compromising consumer acceptability. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the acceptability of 2 different multiple micronutrient-fortified bouillon cube for mulations, compared with a bouillon cube fortified with iodine only. Methods: We conducted a double-blind, randomized, controlled acceptability study in 2 districts in northern Ghana. Two nonproprietary, noncommercialized formulations of multiple micronutrient-fortified bouillon cubes containing iron, zinc, folic acid, vitamins A and B12, and iodine at “upper-level” (45-125% CODEX NRV/2.5g) or “lower-level” (15-50% CODEX NRV/2.5g) concentrations, and a control cube that contained iodine only (50% CODEX NRV/2.5g) were evaluated. Eligible women (n ¼ 84) were invited to participate in 1) center-based sensory evaluations designed to permit within-individual comparisons among the different study products; and 2) in-home evaluation of bouillon acceptability and use, in which participants were randomized to receive 1 of the 3 study products to use in household cooking for a 2-wk period. Acceptance test ratings were based on a 5-point Likert scale (1 ¼ dislike very much, 5 ¼ like very much). Results: In the center-based evaluations, overall liking of the 3 bouillon cube formulations both dry and in prepared dishes ranged from 4.3 to 4.6 on the 5-point Likert scale and did not differ among formulations (P > 0.05). After the 2-wk in-home trial, 93.8% of index participants (n ¼ 75/80) rated their overall liking of the bouillon product formulation to which they were randomly assigned as “like” or “like very much” (4–5 on the 5-point Likert scale) and median apparent intake of study-provided bouillon over 2 wk was 3.6 g/capita/d; neither value differed by study group (P ¼ 0.91 for both). Conclusions: All 3 formulations of bouillon cubes assessed were acceptable to women and their households in 2 districts in northern Ghana. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT05177614.
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    Household concentrations and female and child exposures to air pollution in peri-urban sub-Saharan Africa: measurements from the CLEAN-Air(Africa) study
    (Articles, 2024) Shupler, M.; Quansah, R.; Tawiah, T.; et al
    Background Relatively clean cooking fuels such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) emit less fine particulate matter (PM2·5) and carbon monoxide (CO) than polluting fuels (eg, wood, charcoal). Yet, some clean cooking interventions have not achieved substantial exposure reductions. This study evaluates determinants of between-community variability in exposures to household air pollution (HAP) across sub-Saharan Africa. Methods In this measurement study, we recruited households cooking primarily with LPG or exclusively with wood or charcoal in peri-urban Cameroon, Ghana, and Kenya from previously surveyed households. In 2019–20, we conducted monitoring of 24 h PM2·5 and CO kitchen concentrations (n=256) and female cook (n=248) and child (n=124) exposures. PM2·5 measurements used gravimetric and light scattering methods. Stove use monitoring and surveys on cooking characteristics and ambient air pollution exposure (eg, walking time to main road) were also administered. Findings The mean PM2·5 kitchen concentration was five times higher among households cooking with charcoal than those using LPG in the Kenyan community (297 μg/m³, 95%CI216–406, vs 61 μg/m³, 49–76), but only 4 μg/m³ higher in the Ghanaian community (56 μg/m³, 45–70, vs 52 μg/m³, 40–68). The mean CO kitchen concentration in charcoal-using households was double the WHO guideline (6·11 parts per million [ppm]) in the Kenyan community (15·81 ppm, 95%CI 8·71–28·72), but below the guideline in the Ghanaian setting (1·77 ppm, 1·04–2·99). In all communities, mean PM2·5 cook exposures only met the WHO interim-1 target (35 μg/m³) among LPG users staying indoors and living more than 10 min walk from a road. Interpretation Community-level variation in the relative difference in HAP exposures between LPG and polluting cooking fuel users in peri-urban sub-Saharan Africa might be attributed to differences in ambient air pollution levels. Thus, mitigation of indoor and outdoor PM2·5 sources will probably be critical for obtaining significant exposure reductions in rapidly urbanising settings of sub-Saharan Africa. Funding UK National Institute for Health and Care Research. Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an Open Access article under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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    Pre-vaccination seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the Volta Region, Ghana
    (IJID Regions, 2024) Aninagyei, E.; Ayivor-Djanie, R.; Ampofo, W. K.; et al
    Objectives: Before administration of the first dose of the AstraZeneca 2019 SARS-CoV-2 vaccine to selected pri oritized groups in the Volta regional capital of Ghana, we determined the pre-vaccination status of prospective recipients and established the baseline exposure status 1 year after the first case was reported. Methods: After informed consent, blood samples were collected for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin (Ig) M/IgG antibodies using rapid diagnostic test kits. A total of 409 individuals (mean age 27 years) consented and participated in the study, comprising 70% students and others were health staff and educators who presented themselves for vaccination. Results: The overall exposure rate of SARS-CoV-2 was 12.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] 9.6-16.3). The preva lence of SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG were 4.2% (95% CI 2.4-6.6) and 5.6% (95% CI 3.6-8.3), respectively. IgM and IgG were detected in 2.9% (95% CI 1.5-5.1) of the respondents. The exposure rates were higher in participants over 40 years old (15.5%). Participants without a history of COVID–19–like symptoms had an exposure rate of 13.0% and those without any chronic diseases were 13.2%. Conclusion: Pre-vaccination exposure was relatively low and underscored the need for vaccination i to increase protection in communities and disease outcomes.
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    Regenerative edible insects for food, feed, and sustainable livelihoods in Nigeria: Consumption, potential and prospects
    (Future Foods, 2024) Aigbedion-Atalor, P. O.; Fening, K. O.; Sunday, O.; et al
    Edible insects are imperative as food, feed, and other products for industries, but commercial farming and utilization of insects as food, feed and industries is rare in Nigeria. However, consumption of insects in Nigeria is longstanding and increasingly becoming popular and receiving more attention because of their potential as alternatives to animal protein and a means of livelihood to mitigate hunger and poverty. We harnessed academic and grey literature and personal communications to obtain a wholesome and concise review of the edible insects in Nigeria. This process revealed 13 edible insect species consumed amongst various tribes and indigenous people in the country. We found that the consumption of insects in Nigeria is ubiquitous but more popular and generally accepted in southern Nigeria than in the northern part of the country. However, farming insects for food and feed is seldom because edible insects are harvested from wild populations. Insights into the challenges of farming edible insects in Nigeria revealed that funding, seasonality, technical know-how or expertise are at the forefront. while poor extension services, inadequate processing technologies, and not having in place strategies for their upscaling is also implicated. We recommend mutualistic cooperation between key stakeholders along the agricultural value chain in Nigeria, such as the government, investors, and others that will foster partnerships with established industries in East Africa, especially Kenya and Uganda, where farming insects for food, feed, and livelihoods are thriving.
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    The transition of Ghana’s cooling appliance sector to a circular economy via a small wins governance framework
    (Sustainable Production and Consumption, 2024) Kuhn, S.; Opoku, R.; Diaba, D. D.; et al
    Air conditioning poses environmental, socioeconomic, and political challenges, especially in sub-Saharan countries such as Ghana, where almost all devices are imported. Thus far, socio-economically feasible path ways for a cooling transition to a circular economy are unclear. Drawing on qualitative interviews, field ob servations and survey data, this study analyses the potential of small wins governance as a pathway to sweeping system change along Ghana’s air-conditioners’ lifecycle. The research analyses the status quo and identifies potential small wins that could lead to transformative shifts in the cooling sector. Through a mixed-methods approach encompassing interviews, surveys, and field assessments, the study uncovers small wins at four stages of the air conditioner lifecycle, from (1) import, (2) retail & purchase, (3) usage & service, and (4) end-of life management practices. For policymakers and practitioners, our results imply that they should (a) system atically encourage and reap small wins in public-private spaces in the short-term, e.g. changing the incentive structure for staff controlling imports of air conditioners, (b) adjust supporting policies as learning dynamics unfold over time (e.g., energy and refrigerant standards and labels, tax system), but (c) also keep pushing for big wins in the mid-term (e.g., constructions of a recycling plant for refrigerants in West Africa). The findings emphasize the need for a behavioural, consumer-oriented perspective for the pragmatic potential of small wins towards a circular economy. Overall, the study addresses significant gaps in the literature and suggests that bottom-up approaches may offer more success than attempting broad top-down system changes. The paper contributes to the wider discourse on social-ecological transitions and offers valuable insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers aiming to foster sustainable practices in the cooling sector.
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    Effectiveness of digital health interventions on blood pressure control, lifestyle behaviours and adherence to medication in patients with hypertension in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
    (Review, 2024) Boima, V.; Doku, A.; Agyekum, F.; et al
    Background Digital health interventions can be effective for blood pressure (BP) control, but a comparison of the effectiveness and application of these types of interventions have not yet been systematically evaluated in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of digital health interventions according to the World Health Organization (WHO) classifications of patients in terms of BP control, lifestyle behaviour changes, and adherence to medication in patients with hypertension in LMICs. Methods: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL and Cochrane Library databases for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published in English comprise of adults (≥18 years old) with hypertension and the intervention consisted of digital health interventions according to WHO’s classifications for patients in LMICs between January 1, 2009, and July 17, 2023. We excluded RCTs that considered patients with hypertension comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension-mediated target organs damage (HMTOD). The references were downloaded into Mendeley Desktop and imported into the Rayyan web tool for deduplication and screening. The risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane Risk of Bias 2. Data extraction was done according to Cochrane’s guidelines. The main outcome measures were mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) and BP control, which were assessed using the random-effect DerSimonian-Laird and Mantel-Haenszel models. We presented the BP outcomes, lifestyle behaviour changes and medication adherence in forest plots, as well as summarized them in tables. This study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42023424227. Findings We identified 9322 articles, of which 22 RCTs from 12 countries (n = 12,892 respondents) were included in the systematic review. The quality of the 22 studies was graded as high risk (n = 7), had some concerns (n = 3) and low risk of bias (n = 12). A total of 19 RCTs (n = 12,418 respondents) were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, digital health intervention had significant reductions in SBP [mean difference (MD) = −4.43 mmHg (95% CI −6.19 to −2.67)], I 2 = 92%] and BP control [odds ratio (OR) = 2.20 (95% CI 1.64–2.94), I2 = 78%], respectively, compared with usual care. A subgroup analysis revealed that short message service (SMS) interventions had the greatest statistical significant reduction of SBP [MD = −5.75 mm Hg (95% Cl −7.77 to −3.73), I2 = 86%] compared to mobile phone calls [MD = 3.08 mm Hg (−6.16 to 12.32), I2 = 87%] or smartphone apps interventions [MD = −4.06 mm Hg] (−6.56 to −1.55), I2 = 79%], but the difference between groups was not statistically significant (p = 0.14). The meta-analysis showed that the interventions had a significant effect in supporting changes in lifestyle behaviours related to a low salt diet [standardised mean difference (SMD) = 1.25; (95% CI 0.64–1.87), I2 = 89%], physical activity [SMD = 1.30 (95% CI 0.23–2.37), I2 = 94%] and smoking reduction [risk difference (RR) = 0.03; (95% CI 0.01–0.05), I2 = 0%] compared to the control group. In addition, improvements in medication adherence was statistically significant and higher in the intervention group than in the control group [SMD]. = 1.59 (95% CI 0.51–2.67), I2 = 97% Interpretation Our findings suggest that digital health interventions may be effective for BP control, Changes in lifestyle behaviours, and improvements in medication adherence in LMICs. However, we observed high heterogeneity between included studies, and only two studies from Africa were included. The combination of digital health interventions with clinical management is crucial to achieving optimal clinical effectiveness in BP control, Changes in lifestyle behaviours and improvements in medication adherence. Funding None.