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Assessment of Obesity Among Pregnant Women in the Volta Region of Ghana
Full text linkBackground: Obesity remains a rising challenge in both developed and developing countries, and maternal obesity has become one of the most occurring risk factors, which can lead to gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia and prematurity in obstetric practice for both the mother and the child.
Pregnancy is a timeline where obesity cannot be effectively worked on as the mother is more likely to live unhealthy lifestyle such as unhealthy diet, binge eating and less physical activity, which would most likely affect foetal health. This is an issue as most pregnant women in Volta Region are either overweight or obese. This research assessed the prevalence of obesity among pregnant women in the Volta Region of Ghana.
Material and Method: A full structured questionnaire was administered to 220 participants based on their knowledge of obesity and its effect on pregnancy, food choices, mealtimes and portion sizes, as well as physical activity during pregnancy. Body weight and height were measured using standardized procedures and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Overweight and obesity were defined based on WHO criteria. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 20.0.
Results: Based on excessive gestational weight gain, prevalence of obesity among the pregnant women was 54% (119). Majority of respondents had poor knowledge of obesity and its effect on the mother and the foetus, which represented a significant correlation (p< 0.0001) between their caloric intake and high gestational weight gain. Physical activity showed no significant effect (p = 0.2) on gestational weight gain. However, pre-pregnancy BMI of the expectant mothers was directly linked to high gestational weight gain with age being the significant risk factor (p<0.02) for obesity before pregnancy.
Conclusion: This research found limited awareness of excessive gestational weight gain and its health consequences among pregnant women and the unborn baby. Therefore, monitoring gestational weight gain using diverse approaches to integrate and manage the condition in routine antenatal care needs consideration
The Possibility of Using Allelic Variants of Electrophoretic Spectra of Storage Proteins in the Breeding of Sunflower
Full text linkRelevance of the provided research work lies in the need to create parental lines of sunflower with high genetic purity, high combinatorial ability to obtain modern hybrids capable of forming a high level of yield in the arid conditions of the Steppe of Ukraine. Analysis and study of allelic variants of electrophoretic spectra makes it possible to expand the genetic diversity of the source material identified by the spectra of seed storage proteins. The main goal was to establish and study allelic variants of sunflower seed storage proteins, their use in individual plant selection in the process of creating self-pollinated lines, with the subsequent inclusion of lines in the breeding process. The source material for creating self-pollinated lines were sunflower varieties and interspecific hybrids. Plant selection was carried out according to morphological characteristics and allelic variants of the electrophoretic spectra of sunflower seed storage proteins according to the method of F. O. Poperel. The research was carried out in accordance with generally accepted methods in plant breeding. As a result of the conducted studies, allelic variants of electrophoretic spectra of sunflower seed storage proteins Hel 1, Hel 2, Hel 3, Hel 4, Hel 5, Hel 6, Hel 7, Hel 9, Hel NK were established. New self-pollinated sunflower lines with a high level of genetic purity with identified loci Hel 7, Hel 9, Hel NK were created. The creation of starting material from interspecific hybrids ensured the production of genotypes with new helianthine spectra and contributed to the expansion of the genetic diversity of sunflower. Based on allelic variants of protein spectra, protein spectra were developed and recorded for each self-pollinated sample and line created. Self-pollinated lines were created using protein spectra and clustering of the resulting genotypes was performed. Sunflower hybrids with the participation of lines from the most genetically distant clusters form a yield higher by 0.5-0.8 t ha-1. The established allelic variants of the electrophoretic spectra of seed storage proteins are recommended to be used in individual plant selection in the process of obtaining self-pollinated sunflower lines with a high level of genetic purity. The obtained sunflower lines are recommended to be used in the creation of hybrids intended for cultivation in arid steppe conditions of Ukraine
Development and Testing of a Low-Cost Solar-powered Disdrometer for Rainfall Characterization
No full textThis research explores the development, construction, and validation of a cost-effective, solar-powered disdrometer designed to enhance the study of rainfall parameters. Disdrometers are essential tools for quantifying rainfall characteristics, such as drop size distribution and intensity, which are critical for understanding precipitation microphysics and improving weather radar and satellite rainfall estimation. However, the high cost of commercial disdrometers limits their accessibility, particularly in resource-constrained regions. To address this challenge, a low-cost disdrometer was developed using widely available and affordable components, without compromising performance. The device integrates a piezoelectric sensor for raindrop detection, an amplification system, and a microcontroller for data processing. The system is powered by solar energy, further reducing operational costs and enabling remote deployment. Field tests conducted in a tropical region demonstrated that the disdrometer reliably captures rainfall parameters comparable to those obtained by commercial systems, making it a valuable resource for atmospheric research, hydrology, and meteorology, particularly in resource-limited settings. The study concludes that this solar-powered disdrometer offers a feasible, efficient, and sustainable solution for rainfall characterization
Intuitionistic Fuzzy Subalgebras of Several Types in Sheffer Stroke Hilbert Algebras
No full textCharacterizations of an (E, E)-intuitionistic fuzzy subalgebra and an (q(kT,KF), EV q(KT,KF))-intuitionistic fuzzy subalgebra are provided. Given special sets, so called intuitionistic fuzzy E-subsets, intuitionistic fuzzy q-subsets and intuitionistic fuzzy (q(kT,KF), EV q(KT,KF))-subsets, conditions for the intuitionistic fuzzy (q(kT,KF), EV q(KT,KF))-subsets, intuitionistic fuzzy -subsets and intuitionistic fuzzy -subsets to be subalgebras are discussed
A Green Method for Preparation of Cyanidin-3-glucoside from Carissa carandas Fruits and α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activity Evaluation
Full text linkIn this research, a tailored approach for the preparation of a cyanidin-3-glucoside-enriched extract (C3GE) and cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G) from the fruits of Carissa carandas L. was achieved using a green methodology. The method involved a cold extraction, followed by fractionation processes on a hydrophobic (Diaion® HP-20) column using a hydroethanolic solvent system for column elution. C3GE was produced after the one-step fractionation, while C3G was obtained after the two-step fractionation. Based on an HPLC method, C3GE contained 34.8% w/w of C3G, while C3G was identified via its 1H and 13C NMR data. An in vitro assay for the α-glucosidase inhibitory effect revealed that C3GE and C3G possessed good inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase, with IC50 values of 19.7 and 4.4 µg/mL, respectively, which is better than that of acarbose (IC50 of 395.4 µg/mL). Our findings suggest the potential use of this green extraction method for the production of C3G and C3GE, as well as its application in functional ingredient industries, including nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals
Prospective Study on the Effects of Marijuana Smoking on Lipase and Amylase Activities among Adult Nigerians
No full textMarijuana consumption is prevalent among young adults in Nigeria, and its effects on various physiological systems are of growing concern. This study investigates the impact of marijuana use on digestive enzymes, specifically serum amylase and lipase, to understand its potential implications on digestive health. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 120 participants comprising of 60 marijuana smokers and 60 non-smokers. Sociodemographic and lifestyle data were collected through structured questionnaires. Serum amylase and lipase activity levels were measured by spectrophotometric method and compared between the two groups. Statistical analysis was performed to assess differences and correlations. The study revealed that marijuana smokers had significantly higher serum amylase and lipase activities compared to non-smokers. Lipase activity correlated positively (r=0.425, p=0.019) with duration of marijuana use. Amylase activity was higher among males than females (r=-0.40, p=0.028). No significant correlation was found between the quantity of marijuana consumed and enzyme activities. Chronic marijuana consumption was associated with increased serum amylase and lipase activities, indicating potential alterations in pancreatic function. These findings suggest that marijuana use may have adverse effects on digestive health, warranting further investigation into the long-term implications. It is recommended that healthcare providers monitor digestive enzyme activities in marijuana users to detect early signs of pancreatic dysfunction
Quality Changes in Nuggets and Frying Oils due to Repeated Deep Frying: A Comprehensive Study
No full textIn this study, it was aimed to determine the effects of nuggets produced using turkey meat by repeated frying in olive oil under atmospheric and pressure frying conditions on some physicochemical and instrumental texture properties of nuggets and some quality properties (free fatty acid, peroxide value and total polar compound) of frying oil. While pressure frying increased the moisture value of the samples, the moisture values of the samples decreased as the number of frying repetitions increased. A higher TBARS value was determined in atmospheric frying compared to pressure frying (p˂0,01), and the TBARS value of the samples increased as the number of frying repetitions increased. Pressure frying increased the L* and b* values and decreased the a* value in the internal and external surface of the samples (p˂0,05). While the number of frying factor did not cause a significant difference (p˃0,05), on the color values in the internal surface, as the number of frying increased, the L* and b* values of the samples decreased and the a* values increased. While pressure frying process increased the hardness, resilience, cohesiveness, springiness, gumminess and chewiness values in nuggets (p˂0,01), frying method had no significant effect on adhesiveness (p˃0,05). It was determined that the frying method and the number of frying repetitions factors had a very significant effect (p˂0,01) on the free fatty acid, peroxide value and total polar substance content of the oils
Acute Toxicity of Mycotoxigenic Fungi Isolates in Ready-to-Eat Meat in Buea, Cameroon
Full text linkIntroduction: Meat is an important source of nutrition for many people worldwide. Away from homes, it is widely consumed in restaurants (e.g. small roadside) and non-restaurants (including drinking parlors and open-air)in various forms assnack. Objective: This paper reports on the acute toxicity of mycotoxigenic fungi isolates from various ready-to-eat meat from Buea, Cameroon.
Method: Ten varieties of ready-to-eat meat samples (N=130: raw beef (n=18), beef soya (n=29), fried chicken (n=11), chicken soya (n=10), snail soya (n=13), fried pork (n=06), fried cow liver (n=13), roasted goat (n=06), boiled cow skin (n=07) and smoked beef (n=17).were collected from Buea municipality. The samples were cultures, and fungal isolates isolated microscopically. Thereafter, an acute toxicity test using 24 young BALB/c mice (weight range: 22-25g) was performed.
Results: A total of 40 mycotoxigenic fungi belonging to five genera (Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium, Rhizomucor, and Rhizopus) were identified. The most dominant species was Aspergillus (unidentified Aspergillus species, 23.1%; and Aspergillus ochraceus,10.3%).The order of Aspergillus fungi proliferation were roasted goat liver(20%), fried chicken (20%), snails soya (20%)ean body weight of test mice significantly decreased (p<0.05) after the first 7 days of feeding with a mycotoxigenic fungi-supplemented diet relative to control mice that ate healthy diets. Aspartate Transaminase (AST, range: 169.9-563.1U/L) and Alanine Transaminase (ALT, range:521.1-707.5U/L) levels were significantly (p<0.05) higher than the reference values for healthy mice (range: 60-100U/L for AST and 25-6U/L for ALT).
Conclusion: Given the toxicity potentials of mycotoxigenic fungi, e.g. production of toxic secondary metabolites, not reported in this paper, and demonstrated by the liver toxicity/function test, ready-to-eat meat in Buea, Cameroon may not be adequately safe for consumption
Case Study: Long-Term Monitoring of Health Biomarkers after Drinking Structured Water Over 43 Months
Full text linkThis case study presents a three-year monitoring of personal biomarkers before and after drinking structured water for a single subject. The five biomarkers were specifically chosen to assess the long-term effects of structured water (SW) on overall health status. The biomarker results show that Resting Energy Expenditure (REE) decreased by 18.3 %, and resting oxygen consumption rate (VO2) decreased by 21.6% after 43 months of drinking SW water. The positive changes in the five biomarkers suggest that SW water effectively replenished and maintained BSW water levels in the subject. Furthermore, the improved biomarker results indicate that drinking SW water significantly reduced the additional stress of relying solely on aerobic respiration to meet all cellular energy needs. Replenishing BSW water levels by drinking SW water could potentially reverse dehydration and aging health issues
Bacteriological Quality of Salads Sold at Selected Restaurants in Accra, Ghana
Full text linkBackground: The increasing prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases has led to a greater emphasis on the consumption of healthy foods, such as vegetables. Vegetable salads from restaurants are generally perceived as safe. We investigated the bacteriological quality of vegetable salads sold in two popular restaurants in Accra.
Methods: Twenty salad samples were purchased from two popular restaurants (A and B) with two branches each in Accra, Ghana. Restaurant A had branches at Dansoman and North Industrial Area, while B had branches at Osu and Tesano. Total aerobic colony forming unit (CFU) and biochemical assays were performed by standard culture techniques and protocols, to determine the microbial load and species present.
Results: Mean aerobic bacteria count was 1.77E5 and 1.45 E5 CFU/g for Restaurants A, and B respectively. The North Industrial Area branch of A had more CFUs (2.64E5 CFU/g) than the Dansoman branch (0.9E5 CFU/g), and statistically significant (p=0.0010). The Tesano branch of restaurant B had higher CFUs (1.9E5 CFU/g) than the Osu branch (1.0E5 CFU/g), and also statistically significant (p=0.0022). Furthermore, ANOVA across the four branches showed a significant difference (p<0.0001). The main isolates identified from both restaurants were Enterobacter spp. (28.7%), Citrobacter spp. (20.4%), Klebsiella ssp. (18.5%) and Enterococcus spp. (7.4%).
Conclusion: Enterobacter species was predominant among others. Education of the restaurant staff, and the application of food safety and handling procedures must be established, and food regulatory institutions must carry out routine inspection at these sites to ensure consumer protection and public health