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Boateng SL, Penu OKA, Boateng R, Budu J, Marfo JS, Asamoah P. Educational technologies and elementary level education - A bibliometric review of scopus indexed journal articles. Heliyon 2024; 10:e28101. [PMID: 38601553 PMCID: PMC11004524 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
This bibliometric study critically analyses 293 journal articles from the Scopus database, charting the trajectory of educational technology in primary and elementary education from 1986 to 2023. While limited to practical applications within primary or elementary contexts and excluding various scholarly work forms, the research unveils crucial insights. A significant uptick in publications during 2008-2016 and 2018-2023 highlights the growing importance and incorporation of digital technologies in early education. The analysis identifies recurrent themes like teacher education, game-based learning, and collaborative learning, pointing towards future research directions. The study also notes underexplored areas, including technology's role in specific subjects, ethical student engagement, gender and disability dynamics, and contributions from African contexts. It advocates for increased international collaboration, with a focus on partnerships with predominant Chinese institutions. Despite its limitations, this paper is foundational for future research, offering a roadmap for a nuanced understanding of technology's impact on young learners' educational experiences and outcomes globally.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Richard Boateng
- University of Ghana Business School, P O Box LG 78, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Joseph Budu
- School of Technology, Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration, Ghana
| | - John Serbe Marfo
- Business School, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Private Mail Bag, University Post Office, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Pasty Asamoah
- Business School, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Private Mail Bag, University Post Office, Kumasi, Ghana
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Madorsky Rowdo FP, Xiao G, Khramtsova GF, Nguyen J, Martini R, Stonaker B, Boateng R, Oppong JK, Adjei EK, Awuah B, Kyei I, Aitpillah FS, Adinku MO, Ankomah K, Osei-Bonsu EB, Gyan KK, Altorki NK, Cheng E, Ginter PS, Hoda S, Newman L, Elemento O, Olopade OI, Davis MB, Martin ML, Bargonetti J. Patient-derived tumor organoids with p53 mutations, and not wild-type p53, are sensitive to synergistic combination PARP inhibitor treatment. Cancer Lett 2024; 584:216608. [PMID: 38199587 PMCID: PMC10922546 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) are used for patients with BRCA1/2 mutations, but patients with other mutations may benefit from PARPi treatment. Another mutation that is present in more cancers than BRCA1/2 is mutation to the TP53 gene. In 2D breast cancer cell lines, mutant p53 (mtp53) proteins tightly associate with replicating DNA and Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) protein. Combination drug treatment with the alkylating agent temozolomide and the PARPi talazoparib kills mtp53 expressing 2D grown breast cancer cell lines. We evaluated the sensitivity to the combination of temozolomide plus PARPi talazoparib treatment to breast and lung cancer patient-derived tumor organoids (PDTOs). The combination of the two drugs was synergistic for a cytotoxic response in PDTOs with mtp53 but not for PDTOs with wtp53. The combination of talazoparib and temozolomide induced more DNA double-strand breaks in mtp53 expressing organoids than in wild-type p53 expressing organoids as shown by increased γ-H2AX protein expression. Moreover, breast cancer tissue microarrays (TMAs) showed a positive correlation between stable p53 and high PARP1 expression in sub-groups of breast cancers, which may indicate sub-classes of breast cancers sensitive to PARPi therapy. These results suggest that mtp53 could be a biomarker to predict response to the combination of PARPi talazoparib-temozolomide treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gu Xiao
- The Department of Biological Sciences Hunter College, Belfer Building, City University of New York, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Galina F Khramtsova
- Center for Clinical Cancer Genetics and Global Health and Section of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - John Nguyen
- Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Rachel Martini
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Brian Stonaker
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Ishmael Kyei
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | - Michael O Adinku
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | | | - Kofi K Gyan
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Nasser K Altorki
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Esther Cheng
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Paula S Ginter
- Department of Pathology, NYU Langone Hospital-Long Island, Mineola, NY, USA
| | - Syed Hoda
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lisa Newman
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Olivier Elemento
- Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Olufunmilayo I Olopade
- Center for Clinical Cancer Genetics and Global Health and Section of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Melissa B Davis
- Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10021, USA; Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, 720 Westview Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30310, USA
| | - M Laura Martin
- Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Jill Bargonetti
- The Department of Biological Sciences Hunter College, Belfer Building, City University of New York, New York, NY, 10021, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York City, NY, 10021, USA; The Graduate Center Biology and Biochemistry Programs of City University of New York, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
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Buckman TA, Sakyi SA, Yeboah-Mensah K, Antwi MH, Darban I, Owusu-Brenya L, Yorke J, Boateng AO, Senu E, Dompreh A, Addei AM, Boateng R, Yankey O, Tandoh S. Demographic, Clinical Profile of Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients and Their Association with Disease Severity in Ghana. Int J Rheumatol 2024; 2024:6639079. [PMID: 38249778 PMCID: PMC10798837 DOI: 10.1155/2024/6639079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the frequent chronic, systemic, inflammatory autoimmune disorders with an estimated global prevalence of 1%. RA leads to joint destruction and disability if left untreated. Ghana has seen very few studies on RA, and little is known about the disease's severity and related variables. This study sought to characterize the clinical presentation and determine disease severity and associated risk factors with disease severity among RA patients in a tertiary hospital in Ghana. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2020 and August 2021. This study included 56 consecutively consenting RA patients from the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital orthopaedic unit. Diagnosis of RA was based on the updated American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism (ACR/EULAR) 2022 rheumatoid arthritis classification criteria by a rheumatologist. A study questionnaire was used to gather participant demographics and clinical features, and results from the laboratory were taken from the patients' charts and medical records. The patients' disease severity was evaluated based on the rheumatoid arthritis disease activity score, which is based on a 28-joint count (DAS28), and their functioning was evaluated using the modified health assessment questionnaire. Results The participants' mean age was 51.25 ± 13.22 years. Out of the total participants, 46 were females, and 10 were males (female-to-male ratio 4.6 : 1). Moreover, 37.50% had arthritis of the hand; 5.30% had severe disease, and 94.60% were not severe. A majority (76.80%) were on methotrexate medication. The most frequently involved joints were the knee (42.90%), wrist (32.10%), and elbow (12.50%). There was no statistically significant association with disease severity and a functional status score of >0.5 (cOR: 10.60, 95% CI (0.52-217.30); p = 0.124). In addition, marital status (p = 0.04), disease duration (p = 0.04), family complaints (p = 0.02), and ESR (p = 0.03) were significantly associated with disease severity. Conclusion RA is predominant among elder populations and females. Disease duration, family complaints, and ESR are associated with disease severity. The findings of this study call for interventions towards ensuring early diagnosis of RA among high-risk populations to enhance good management practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tonnies Abeku Buckman
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, KAAF University College, Buduburam-Gomoa East District, Ghana
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Samuel Asamoah Sakyi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | - Maxwell Hubert Antwi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Koforidua Technical University, Koforidua, Ghana
| | - Isaac Darban
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Koforidua Technical University, Koforidua, Ghana
| | - Lawrence Owusu-Brenya
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Joseph Yorke
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Andy Opoku Boateng
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Ebenezer Senu
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Albert Dompreh
- Department of Microbiology, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Akwasi Minnah Addei
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Richard Boateng
- Department of Microbiology, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Ortis Yankey
- School of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Samuel Tandoh
- University Clinic, University of Education, Winneba, Ghana
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Kumah E, Boakye DS, Boateng R, Agyei E. Advancing the Global Fight Against HIV/Aids: Strategies, Barriers, and the Road to Eradication. Ann Glob Health 2023; 89:83. [PMID: 38046536 PMCID: PMC10691281 DOI: 10.5334/aogh.4277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
HIV/AIDS remains one of the most significant global health challenges, affecting millions of people worldwide. Since the inception of the disease, various global response strategies have been devised and implemented, aiming to mitigate its impact and ultimately eradicate it. While these strategies have yielded remarkable progress, there are still key barriers impeding the global fight against the disease. This paper, thus, delves into the key global response strategies employed in response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic since its inception, examines the impediments to their successful implementation, and outlines the trajectory towards a world without AIDS. To continue the momentum in the fight against HIV/AIDS, it is imperative to adopt a multifaceted approach that addresses the existing barriers. One pivotal aspect of this approach involves intensifying efforts to improve the uptake of HIV testing. Encouraging individuals to get tested is a critical step, as it not only aids in identifying more cases of HIV infection but also facilitates the linkage of those affected to appropriate care and support services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Kumah
- Department of Health Administration and Education, Faculty of Science Education, University of Education, Winneba, Ghana
| | - Dorothy Serwaa Boakye
- Department of Health Administration and Education, Faculty of Science Education, University of Education, Winneba, Ghana
| | - Richard Boateng
- Department of Health Administration and Education, Faculty of Science Education, University of Education, Winneba, Ghana
| | - Eunice Agyei
- Department of Health Administration and Education, Faculty of Science Education, University of Education, Winneba, Ghana
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Kumah E, Boateng R, Agyei E. Strategic purchasing in times of public health emergency: lessons from COVID-19. BMJ Glob Health 2023; 8:e013938. [PMID: 37793809 PMCID: PMC10551923 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-013938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Kumah
- Department of Health Administration and Education, University of Education Winneba, Winneba, Ghana
| | - Richard Boateng
- Department of Health Administration and Education, University of Education Winneba, Winneba, Ghana
| | - Eunice Agyei
- Department of Health Administration and Education, University of Education Winneba, Winneba, Ghana
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Eberhardt KA, Veletzky L, Weinreich F, Phillips RO, Sarfo FS, Feldt T, Dompreh A, Asibey SO, Boateng R, Frickmann H. Very low prevalence of Mansonella perstans-specific cell-free DNA in serum samples of Ghanaian HIV patients. Eur J Microbiol Immunol (Bp) 2023; 13:57-62. [PMID: 37751320 PMCID: PMC10578140 DOI: 10.1556/1886.2023.00028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Mansonellosis is a widely neglected helminth disease which is predominantly observed in tropical regions. This study was conducted to assess potential associations of the prevalence of circulating Mansonella perstans-specific cell-free DNA in human serum and HIV infection in Ghanaian individuals. Methods For this purpose, serum samples obtained from Ghanaian HIV-patients (n = 989) and non-HIV-infected Ghanaian control individuals (n = 91) were subjected to real-time PCR targeting the ITS-(internal transcribed spacer-)2 sequence of M. perstans and Mansonella sp. Deux. Results Mansonella-specific cell-free DNA was detected in serum samples of only 2 HIV-positive and 0 HIV-negative individuals, making any reliable conclusions on potential associations between HIV and mansonellosis in tropical Ghana unfeasible. Conclusions Future epidemiological studies on hypothetical associations between mansonellosis and HIV infections should focus more specifically on high-endemicity settings for both Mansonella spp.-infections and HIV-infections, include higher case numbers and be based on real-time PCR from whole blood rather than from serum, in which only circulating parasite DNA but no more cell-bound parasite DNA can be detected. However, the study did not show associations of HIV infections in Ghanaian individuals with Mansonella worm loads high enough to detect cell-free Mansonella DNA in serum by PCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten Alexandra Eberhardt
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine & I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center, Hamburg, Germany
- Division of Hygiene and Infectious Diseases, Institute of Hygiene and Environment, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Luzia Veletzky
- Department of Medicine I, Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Felix Weinreich
- Department of Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Bundeswehr Hospital Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Richard Odame Phillips
- Department of Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Fred Stephen Sarfo
- Department of Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Department of Medicine, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Torsten Feldt
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Albert Dompreh
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | - Richard Boateng
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Hagen Frickmann
- Department of Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Bundeswehr Hospital Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medicine Rostock, Rostock, Germany
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Boateng R, Yawson AE, Adoma PO. Rural-urban and socio-demographic differentials in perceived health state among aging population in Ghana. J Health Popul Nutr 2023; 42:92. [PMID: 37658469 PMCID: PMC10474759 DOI: 10.1186/s41043-023-00433-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The variations in health between rural and urban population have become an increasingly significant public health concern in developing countries including Ghana where urbanization is occurring. Whereas urbanization results in improved access to healthcare services, the concomitant negative consequences of urbanization coupled with unfavorable compositional and contextual attributes can affect the health of populations. The study sought to examine the effect of rural-urban residence and selected socio-demographic factors on perceived health state among aging population by employing a nationally representative data collected by the WHO from 2014 to 2015. METHODS The data were derived from the WHO Study on Aging wave 2 released in 2019. A total of 4511 individuals, made up of 1018 adults between 18 and 49 years and 3493 respondents within the ages of 50 years and above, were involved in this study. The study examined the Spearman's rho correlations between perceived health, rural-urban residence, age, sex, marital status, ever schooled, current work state, religion, and regional location. Subsequently, the study employed a multivariable ordinal logistic regression model to test the effect of the selected biosocial and contextual variables on perceived health state. RESULTS The selected socio-demographic variables significantly correlated with health state, except for rural-urban residence. However, the predictive ability of rural-urban residence and the socio-demographic variables on perceived health state were strongly ascertained. It was observed that age, sex, rural-urban residence, and current state of work among aging populations were significant predictors of perceived health state as demonstrated by odds ratios and significant p values. The contextual factor of regional location was the most significant variable that increases the perceived health state of respondents in the study. CONCLUSIONS Continues engagement in work-related activities, an individual's age within the aging continuum and regional location coupled with its environmental and ecological attributes, may significantly influence the development of positive perception toward health state, which forms a vital constituent of an individual health seeking behavior.
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Sarfo FS, Boateng R, Opare-Addo PA, Gyamfi RA, Nguah SB, Ovbiagele B. Prevalence and predictors of low folate levels among stroke survivors in a country without mandatory folate food fortification: Analysis of a Ghanaian sample. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2023; 32:107239. [PMID: 37480805 PMCID: PMC10529575 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2023.107239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While additional folic acid (FA) treatment has a neutral effect on lowering overall vascular risk in countries that mandate FA fortification of food, meta-analytic data suggest that folate supplementation reduces stroke risk in certain patient subgroups, and among people living in countries without mandatory folate food fortification. However, the burden of folate deficiency among adults with stroke in the world's poorest continent is unknown. PURPOSE To assess the prevalence and predictors of folate deficiency among recent ischemic stroke survivors. METHODS We analyzed data among consecutively encountered ischemic stroke patients aged ≥18 years at a tertiary medical center in Kumasi, Ghana between 10/2020 - 08/2021. We identified a modest sample of stroke free adults to serve as a comparator group. Fasting serum folate was measured using a radioimmunoassay and a cut-off of 4ng/mL used to define folate deficiency. Factors associated with serum folate concentration were assessed using a multilinear regression model. RESULTS Comparing stroke cases (n = 116) with stroke-free comparators (n = 20), mean folate concentration was lower among stroke cases (7 ng/ml vs. 10.2 ng/ml, p = 0.004). Frequency of folate deficiency was higher among stroke cases vs. stroke-free controls (31% vs 5%, p = 0.02). Male sex (beta coefficient of -2.6 (95% CI: -4.2, -0.9) and LDL (β: -0.76; -1.4, -0.07) were significantly associated with serum folate concentration. CONCLUSION Almost one in three ischemic stroke survivors have folate deficiency potentially accentuating their risk for further adverse atherosclerotic events in a setting without folate fortification. A clinical trial of folate supplementation among stroke survivors is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fred Stephen Sarfo
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana.
| | | | | | | | - Samuel Blay Nguah
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Bruce Ovbiagele
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California San-Francisco, USA
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Adoma PO, Ansah EW, Apaak D, Agjei RO, Kumah E, Boateng R, Tarkang EE. Coping with hypertensive treatment at Bono Regional Hospital in Sunyani, Ghana: a prospective observational cohort study. Pan Afr Med J 2023; 45:185. [PMID: 38020354 PMCID: PMC10656584 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2023.45.185.39994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction the stress associated with hypertension treatment makes using coping strategies inevitable. However, most patients with hypertension apply inefficient coping strategies, leading to uncontrolled blood pressure (BP). The study analyzed coping strategies associated with hypertension treatment and determined how these coping strategies predicted the current BP of patients with hypertension. Methods the study was a prospective observational cohort conducted between January and December, 2020. Consecutive sampling technique was used to enumerate 508 patients who consistently sought treatment at the healthcare facilities. A sphygmomanometer was used to measure BP to determine controlled and uncontrolled BP based on Ghana Health Service standards. A questionnaire was adapted from Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations-2 to measure patients' coping strategies. Descriptive statistics, cut off percentage and multiple linear regression were applied in analyzing the data at a 0.05 level of significance. Results females were two-thirds (74%) of the study population and the mean age was 58.40 ± 11.72. All patients with hypertension used the three coping strategies: emotion-oriented coping (EOC), task-oriented coping (TOC) and avoidance coping (AC). However, EOC was highly used (61.2%), followed by TOC (58.5%) and AC (46.2%). Also, the study found coping with treatment regimens to be relatively poor since it was only physical exercise (79.5%) that they effectively observed. The multiple linear regression results revealed that the three coping strategies were significant predictors of current BP levels [F (3, 117) = 12.390 at p < 0.001]. Thus, AC, TOC, and EOC explained 37.4% of the variability of current BP status (R2 adj=0.374). Specifically, patients who use TOC (66.3%) were more likely to have a controlled BP than those using EOC (53.7%) and AC (35.8%). Conclusion patients' coping strategies were inadequate for hypertension treatment since treatment regimens were poorly observed. Meanwhile, EOC is most likely to negatively affect a patient's treatment, leading to uncontrolled BP. Our study recommends the need to encourage patients to combine their EOC with TOC to enable them control their BP better.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prince Owusu Adoma
- Department of Health Administration and Education, Faculty of Science Education, University of Education, Winneba, Ghana
| | - Edward Wilson Ansah
- Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, Faculty of Science Education, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Daniel Apaak
- Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, Faculty of Science Education, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Richard Osei Agjei
- Department of Health Administration and Education, Faculty of Science Education, University of Education, Winneba, Ghana
| | - Emmanuel Kumah
- Department of Health Administration and Education, Faculty of Science Education, University of Education, Winneba, Ghana
| | - Richard Boateng
- Department of Health Administration and Education, Faculty of Science Education, University of Education, Winneba, Ghana
| | - Elvis Enowbeyang Tarkang
- Department of Population and Behavioural Science, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
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Sakyi SA, Buckman TA, Yeboah‐Mensah K, Senu E, Effah A, Antwi‐Berko D, Dey D, Antwi MH, Yorke J, Boateng AO, Addei AM, Tanko MM, Boateng R. Receptors expressions on peripheral lymphocytes and CD4 + CD183 + as a diagnostics biomarker for rheumatoid arthritis: A case-control study in Ghana. Immun Inflamm Dis 2023; 11:e976. [PMID: 37647423 PMCID: PMC10465995 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND T cell receptors play important roles in the development and progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Their involvement has been reported in inflammatory autoimmune diseases. However, their role in predicting RA is still under exploration. This study evaluated the expression of CD183 (CXCR3) receptors on T-cells and other relevant biomarkers for detecting RA and determine their relationship with disease activity. METHODS This unmatched case-control study included 48 newly diagnosed RA patients and 30 apparent healthy controls from the orthopedic units of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Kumasi and Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), Accra, Ghana. Sociodemographic data was obtained, and blood samples were also collected and processed for flow cytometric analysis. Statistical analyses were done using SPSS version 26.0 and R programming language. p < .05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS This study found a significant difference in age group (p < .0001), marital status (p = .0210), occupation (p = .0140), educational level (p = .0210) and religion (p = .0100) between RA patients and healthy controls. Moreover, hemoglobin level (p = .0010), waist circumference (p < .0001) and hip circumference (p = .0040) were significantly different between RA patients and controls. RA patients had significantly lower levels of CD4+ CD183+ compared with the control group (p < .001), and was positively correlated with DAS score (r = .0397, p = .789). In Receiver Operator Characteristics analysis, CD4+ CD183+ could significantly detect RA with a high area under the curve (AUC = 0.687, p = .018). At a cut-off of 0.082, CD4+ CD183+ was the best receptor biomarker for detecting RA with a sensitivity of 90.0%, specificity of 25.9%, a positive predictive value of 69.2%, and a negative predictive value of 58.3%. CONCLUSION CD4+ CD183+ best predict RA and is positively correlated with disease activity. CD4+ CD183+ could serve as diagnostics and disease-monitoring biomarker for RA; however, it demonstrates low specificity. Future studies should be directed on CD4+ CD183+ and other biomarkers to augment their diagnostics performances and routine management in RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Asamoah Sakyi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine and DentistryKwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyKumasiAshanti RegionGhana
| | - Tonnies Abeku Buckman
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine and DentistryKwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyKumasiAshanti RegionGhana
- Department of Medical Laboratory ScienceUniversity of Energy and Natural ResourcesSunyaniGhana
- Department of Medical Laboratory SciencesKAAF University CollegeAccraGhana
| | - Kwame Yeboah‐Mensah
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Komfo Anokye Teaching HospitalKwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyKumasiGhana
| | - Ebenezer Senu
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine and DentistryKwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyKumasiAshanti RegionGhana
| | - Alfred Effah
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine and DentistryKwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyKumasiAshanti RegionGhana
| | - Daniel Antwi‐Berko
- Neurochemistry Laboratory, Department of Clinical ChemistryVU University Medical Center (VUmc)AmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Dzifa Dey
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Korle‐Bu Teaching HospitalUniversity of Ghana Medical SchoolAccraGhana
| | - Maxwell H. Antwi
- Department of Medical Laboratory SciencesKoforidua Technical UniversityKoforiduaGhana
| | - Joseph Yorke
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine and DentistryKwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyKumasiGhana
- Directorate of SurgeryKomfo Anokye Teaching HospitalKumasiGhana
| | - Andy O. Boateng
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine and DentistryKwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyKumasiAshanti RegionGhana
| | - Akwasi M. Addei
- Department of Biological SciencesKwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyKumasiAshanti RegionGhana
| | - Muniru M. Tanko
- Department of Immunology and ImmunodiagnosticsUniversity for Development StudiesTamaleNorthern RegionGhana
| | - Richard Boateng
- Department of Clinical MicrobiologyKomfo Anokye Teaching HospitalKumasiAshanti RegionGhana
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Madorsky Rowdo FP, Xiao G, Khramtsova GF, Nguyen J, Olopade OI, Martini R, Stonaker B, Boateng R, Oppong JK, Adjei EK, Awuah B, Kyei I, Aitpillah FS, Adinku MO, Ankomah K, Osei-Bonsu EB, Gyan KK, Altorki NK, Cheng E, Ginter PS, Hoda S, Newman L, Elemento O, Davis MB, Martin ML, Bargonetti J. Patient-derived tumor organoids with p53 mutations, and not wild-type p53, are sensitive to synergistic combination PARP inhibitor treatment. bioRxiv 2023:2023.06.22.544406. [PMID: 38076873 PMCID: PMC10705575 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.22.544406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) are used for patients with BRCA1/2 mutations, but patients with other mutations may benefit from PARPi treatment. Another mutation that is present in more cancers than BRCA1/2 is mutation to the TP53 gene. In 2D breast cancer cell lines, mutant p53 (mtp53) proteins tightly associate with replicating DNA and Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) protein. Combination drug treatment with the alkylating agent temozolomide and the PARPi talazoparib kills mtp53 expressing 2D grown breast cancer cell lines. We evaluated the sensitivity to the combination of temozolomide plus PARPi talazoparib treatment to breast and lung cancer patient-derived tumor organoids (PDTOs). The combination of the two drugs was synergistic for a cytotoxic response in PDTOs with mtp53 but not for PDTOs with wtp53. The combination of talazoparib and temozolomide induced more DNA double-strand breaks in mtp53 expressing organoids than in wild-type p53 expressing organoids as shown by increased γ-H2AX protein expression. Moreover, breast cancer tissue microarrays (TMAs) showed a positive correlation between stable p53 and high PARP1 expression in sub-groups of breast cancers, which may indicate sub-classes of breast cancers sensitive to PARPi therapy. These results suggest that mtp53 could be a biomarker to predict response to the combination of PARPi talazoparib-temozolomide treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gu Xiao
- The Department of Biological Sciences Hunter College, Belfer Building, City University of New York, New York, NY10021
| | - Galina F Khramtsova
- Center for Clinical Cancer Genetics and Global Health and Section of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - John Nguyen
- Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, NY10021
| | - Olufunmilayo I Olopade
- Center for Clinical Cancer Genetics and Global Health and Section of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Rachel Martini
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY10021
| | - Brian Stonaker
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY10021
| | | | | | | | | | - Ishmael Kyei
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | | | | | | | - Kofi K. Gyan
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY10021
| | - Nasser K. Altorki
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY
| | - Esther Cheng
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY
| | - Paula S. Ginter
- Department of Pathology, NYU Langone Hospital-Long Island, Mineola, NY
| | - Syed Hoda
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY
| | - Lisa Newman
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY10021
| | - Olivier Elemento
- Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, NY10021
| | - Melissa B. Davis
- Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, NY10021
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, 720 Westview Drive, Atlanta, GA 30310
| | - M. Laura Martin
- Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, NY10021
| | - Jill Bargonetti
- The Department of Biological Sciences Hunter College, Belfer Building, City University of New York, New York, NY10021
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York City, NY 10021
- The Graduate Center Biology and Biochemistry Programs of City University of New York, New York, NY 10016
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Boateng AA, Botchwey COA, Adatorvor BA, Baidoo MA, Boakye DS, Boateng R. A phenomenological study on recurrent teenage pregnancies in effutu municipality- Ghana.the experiences of teenage mothers. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:218. [PMID: 36726092 PMCID: PMC9890793 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15074-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Generally, recurrent teenage pregnancies are public health menaces that impede the quality of life of teenage mothers, their offspring, and society as a whole. However, there is paucity of information regarding factors influencing this social issue especially, in developing countries where Ghana is no exception. Moreover, this menace has been least investigated from the perspective of the teenager with multiple pregnancies. Hence, this study aimed at identifying the factors influencing recurrent teenage pregnancies and the challenges confronted by these teenage mothers. METHOD This study is a phenomenological qualitative study that was conducted in the Effutu Municipality in the Central Region of Ghana. Employing convenience and snowball sampling, 40 participants who were residents of the study area, had a child each, and were pregnant at the time of the study were included. Other participants included teenage mothers who had at least two (2) children. A face-to-face in-depth interview with the help of an interview guide was conducted. Proceedings were recorded, transcribed, and analysed using thematic analysis. Quotations were used in the result presentation. RESULTS The results of the study revealed that factors influencing recurrent teenage pregnancies are multifactorial. It includes peer pressure, parental neglect, poverty, living with a partner, and inadequate knowledge of family planning. The teenager with recurrent pregnancy is confronted with financial difficulties and is faced with stigmatisation in the society where she finds herself. CONCLUSION To this effect, it is important to intensify education on family planning and good parental practices among parents with teenage mothers while providing a similar form of sensitization for members of the society about the harmful effects of stigmatisation on the teenage mother and her children. Again, a social support network for teenagers with recurrent pregnancies could be formed to help curb this public health menace.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agartha Afful Boateng
- Department of Health Administration and Education, Faculty of Science Education, University of Education, Post Office Box 25, Central Region, Winneba, Ghana.
| | - Charles Owusu-Aduomi Botchwey
- grid.442315.50000 0004 0441 5457Department of Health Administration and Education, Faculty of Science Education, University of Education, Post Office Box 25, Central Region Winneba, Ghana
| | | | - Michael Afari Baidoo
- grid.442315.50000 0004 0441 5457Department of Health Administration and Education, Faculty of Science Education, University of Education, Post Office Box 25, Central Region Winneba, Ghana
| | - Dorothy Serwaa Boakye
- grid.442315.50000 0004 0441 5457Department of Health Administration and Education, Faculty of Science Education, University of Education, Post Office Box 25, Central Region Winneba, Ghana
| | - Richard Boateng
- grid.442315.50000 0004 0441 5457Department of Health Administration and Education, Faculty of Science Education, University of Education, Post Office Box 25, Central Region Winneba, Ghana
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Weinreich F, Weinreich F, Hahn A, Hagen RM, Rohde H, Sarfo FS, Feldt T, Dompreh A, Asibey SO, Boateng R, Frickmann H, Eberhardt KA. Screening for Schistosoma spp. and Leishmania spp. DNA in Serum of Ghanaian Patients with Acquired Immunodeficiency. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11070760. [PMID: 35890001 PMCID: PMC9323644 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11070760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Both Schistosoma spp. (species) and Leishmania spp. are prevalent in Ghana in West Africa. However, little is known about their local occurrence in immunocompromised individuals. In the study presented here, the real-time PCR-(polymerase chain reaction-)based screening for repetitive DNA (deoxyribonucleotide acid) sequences from the genomes of Leishmania (L.) spp. and Schistosoma (S.) spp. was performed in the serum of HIV-(human immunodeficiency virus-)infected Ghanaian patients. In 1083 assessed serum samples from HIV-positive and HIV-negative Ghanian patients, Leishmania spp.-specific DNA was not detected, while the diagnostic accuracy-adjusted prevalence estimation suggested a 3.6% prevalence of the S. mansoni complex and a 0.5% prevalence of the S. haematobium complex. Associations of schistosomiasis with younger age, as well as with the male sex, could be shown but not with an HIV status. Weakly significant signals for the associations of schistosomiasis with an increased viral load, reduced CD4+ (CD = cluster of differentiation) T cell count, and a reduced CD4+/CD8+ ratio could be observed but was inconsistently lost in the case of the stratification on the species complex level. So, it is concluded that factors other than HIV status are more likely to have influenced the occurrence of Schistosoma spp. infections in the assessed Ghanaian patients. Potential associations between HIV infection-associated factors, such as the viral load and the immune status of the patients, for which weak signals were observed in this hypothesis-forming retrospective assessment, should be confirmed by prospective, sufficiently powered investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Weinreich
- Department of Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Bundeswehr Hospital Hamburg, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (F.W.); (F.W.); (H.F.)
| | - Felix Weinreich
- Department of Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Bundeswehr Hospital Hamburg, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (F.W.); (F.W.); (H.F.)
| | - Andreas Hahn
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medicine Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany;
| | - Ralf Matthias Hagen
- Department of Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Bundeswehr Central Hospital Koblenz, 56070 Koblenz, Germany;
| | - Holger Rohde
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), 20251 Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Fred Stephen Sarfo
- Department of Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi 00233, Ghana;
- Department of Medicine, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi 00233, Ghana;
| | - Torsten Feldt
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany;
| | - Albert Dompreh
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi 00233, Ghana; (A.D.); (R.B.)
| | | | - Richard Boateng
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi 00233, Ghana; (A.D.); (R.B.)
| | - Hagen Frickmann
- Department of Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Bundeswehr Hospital Hamburg, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (F.W.); (F.W.); (H.F.)
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medicine Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany;
| | - Kirsten Alexandra Eberhardt
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine & I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
- Division of Hygiene and Infectious Diseases, Institute of Hygiene and Environment, 20539 Hamburg, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-40-42818-0
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Eberhardt KA, Sarfo FS, Klupp EM, Dompreh A, Di Cristanziano V, Osei Kuffour E, Boateng R, Norman B, Phillips RO, Aepfelbacher M, Feldt T. Intestinal Colonization with Tropheryma whipplei-Clinical and Immunological Implications for HIV Positive Adults in Ghana. Microorganisms 2021; 9:1781. [PMID: 34442860 PMCID: PMC8400997 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9081781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies demonstrated higher prevalence rates of Tropheryma whipplei (T. whipplei) in HIV positive than in HIV negative subjects. However, associations with the immune status in HIV positive participants were conflicting. METHODS For this cross-sectional study, stool samples of 906 HIV positive and 98 HIV negative individuals in Ghana were tested for T. whipplei. Additionally, sociodemographic parameters, clinical symptoms, medical drug intake, and laboratory parameters were assessed. RESULTS The prevalence of T. whipplei was 5.85% in HIV positive and 2.04% in HIV negative participants. Within the group of HIV positive participants, the prevalence reached 7.18% in patients without co-trimoxazole prophylaxis, 10.26% in subjects with ART intake, and 12.31% in obese participants. Frequencies of clinical symptoms were not found to be higher in HIV positive T. whipplei carriers compared to T. whipplei negative participants. Markers of immune activation were lower in patients colonized with T. whipplei. Multivariate regression models demonstrated an independent relationship of a high CD4+ T cell count, a low HIV-1 viral load, and an obese body weight with the presence of T. whipplei. CONCLUSIONS Among HIV positive individuals, T. whipplei colonization was associated with a better immune status but not with clinical consequences. Our data suggest that the withdrawal of co-trimoxazole chemoprophylaxis among people living with HIV on stable cART regimen may inadvertently increase the propensity towards colonization with T. whipplei.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten Alexandra Eberhardt
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine & I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Fred Stephen Sarfo
- Department of Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, 00233 Kumasi, Ghana; (F.S.S.); (B.N.); (R.O.P.)
- Department of Medicine, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, 00233 Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Eva-Maria Klupp
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany; (E.-M.K.); (M.A.)
| | - Albert Dompreh
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, 00233 Kumasi, Ghana; (A.D.); (R.B.)
| | - Veronica Di Cristanziano
- Institute of Virology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50935 Cologne, Germany;
| | - Edmund Osei Kuffour
- Laboratory of Retrovirology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA;
| | - Richard Boateng
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, 00233 Kumasi, Ghana; (A.D.); (R.B.)
| | - Betty Norman
- Department of Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, 00233 Kumasi, Ghana; (F.S.S.); (B.N.); (R.O.P.)
- Department of Medicine, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, 00233 Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Richard Odame Phillips
- Department of Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, 00233 Kumasi, Ghana; (F.S.S.); (B.N.); (R.O.P.)
- Department of Medicine, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, 00233 Kumasi, Ghana
- Kumasi Center for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, 00233 Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Martin Aepfelbacher
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany; (E.-M.K.); (M.A.)
| | - Torsten Feldt
- Clinic of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany;
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Effah J, Amankwah-Sarfo F, Boateng R. Affordances and constraints processes of smart service systems: Insights from the case of seaport security in Ghana. International Journal of Information Management 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2020.102204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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17
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Affiliation(s)
- John Effah
- Department of Operations and Management Information Systems, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Emmanuel Owusu-Oware
- Department of Operations and Management Information Systems, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Richard Boateng
- Department of Operations and Management Information Systems, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
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Kevor MO, Boateng R, Kolog EA, Owusu A, Afful-Dadzie A. Preliminary Insights into the Nature of Graduate IS Programmes in Sub-Saharan Africa. Lecture Notes in Computer Science 2020. [PMCID: PMC7134312 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-44999-5_45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Extant Information Systems (IS) curriculum research has focused on the nature of undergraduate IS programmes, particularly in the US and UK, eliciting calls for studies on graduate IS programmes and in regions beyond the US and UK. This study, consequently, looks at the nature of graduate IS programmes in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Using a direct survey method, IS courses information were collected from the websites of top universities in SSA based on a 2019 webometric world ranking of universities. The course offerings from these universities are mapped to the competencies specified in the Global competency model for graduate IS programmes (MSIS 2016). The findings generally indicate, among others, non-adherence of graduate IS programmes in SSA to the MSIS 2016. The reasons for the non-adherence to the MSIS 2016 curriculum model is recommended for future research.
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Yeboah E, Boateng R, Owusu A, Afful-Dadzie E, Ofori-Amanfo J. Assessing the Role of Trust in Merchant Adoption of Mobile Payments in Ghana. Lecture Notes in Computer Science 2020. [PMCID: PMC7134291 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-44999-5_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Abstract
The purpose of this study is to perform a synthesis of API research. The study took stock of literature from academic journals on APIs with their associated themes, frameworks, methodologies, publication outlets and level of analysis. The authors draw on a total of 104 articles from academic journals and conferences published from 2010 to 2018. A systematic literature review was conducted on the selected articles. The findings suggest that API research is primarily atheoretical and largely focuses on the technological dimensions such as design and usage; thus, neglecting most of the social issues such as the business and managerial applications of APIs, which are equally important. Future research directions are provided concerning the gaps identified.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - John Effah
- University of Ghana Business School, Accra, Ghana
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Adjei C, Boateng R, Dompreh A, Okyere B, Owiredu EW. Prevalence and the evaluation of culture, wet mount, and ELISA methods for the diagnosis of Trichomonas vaginalis infection among Ghanaian women using urine and vaginal specimens. Trop Med Health 2019; 47:33. [PMID: 31130814 PMCID: PMC6521517 DOI: 10.1186/s41182-019-0162-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The services of most clinical laboratories in Africa regarding the diagnosis of Trichomonas vaginalis are largely dependent on the urine direct wet-mount method. However, the exclusive use of urine-based detection may not be appropriate. The culture method is considered the "gold standard" for the diagnosis of T. vaginalis. However, this method has a relatively longer turn-around time and is limited by non-viable organisms in the specimen. This study assessed the prevalence of T. vaginalis and its associated risk factors and evaluated its diagnosis using urine and vaginal samples from symptomatic female out-patients by culture, direct wet-mount, and ELISA method respectively. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Obstetrics and Gynaecology department of the Manhyia District hospital (MDH) and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Ghana. Ghanaian sexually active female adults between the ages of 18 and 50 years old were recruited for this study. Vaginal (HVS) and urine samples were collected from each participant, and T. vaginalis infection was assessed based on culture, direct wet mount, and ELISA methods. RESULTS The prevalence of T. vaginalis infection based on the ELISA method, HVS culture, and HVS wet mount were 7.2%, 5.0%, and 1.7%, respectively. Urine culture presented with a 0.6% prevalence rate while urine direct wet mount detected no positive case. There was no statistically significant association between demographic and clinical characteristics and T. vaginalis infection, except for subjects presenting with abdominal pain [OR = 5.42, 95% CI (1.35-21.73), p = 0.017]. Using HVS culture as the reference, ELISA performed best compared to the other methods assessed in this study, presenting with the highest sensitivity [88.9%, 95% CI (54.0-99.8)], specificity [97.1%, 95% CI (93.1-98.9)], AUC (93.0%), and accuracy (96.7%). CONCLUSION The prevalence of T. vaginalis infection is high among women in Ghana. With the exception of abdominal pain, there is no significant association between demographic and clinical characteristics and T. vaginalis infection. In the event where the culture method is unavailable or when rapid diagnosis is required, antigenic detection using ELISA is the most accurate for the diagnosis of T. vaginalis infection in women compared to urine wet-mount/culture and the HVS wet-mount method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Collins Adjei
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, School of Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Richard Boateng
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Albert Dompreh
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Bismark Okyere
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, School of Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Eddie-Williams Owiredu
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
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Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the business models and strategies of digital enterprises in a developing economy context to understand the nature of their operations, as well as their survival tactics.
Design/methodology/approach
A review of literature on digital enterprise models led to the adaptation of a 16 business model archetype for analyzing digital enterprises in Ghana. Using a critical realism perspective, survey data from a sample of 91 digital enterprises were used for the study.
Findings
The findings suggest that among human, physical and intangible assets, financial assets were the least used assets in the operations of the digital enterprises. This stems from the fact that the online financial business sector is still in its nascent stages in most developing economies. The findings further suggest that all digital enterprises leverage on accessible and low-cost social networking services as part of their operations and use them as an avenue to engage with their target customers.
Research limitations/implications
The findings from this study provide guidelines to entrepreneurs who wish to venture into the digital ecosystem of Ghana, particularly with regard to the economic, financial and technological factors that enable digital enterprises to survive in the competitive digital economy.
Practical implications
The findings suggest that it is important for governments to realize that there is an increasing rise in digital enterprises in the developing economies and these enterprises are creating jobs and providing business solutions locally that would hitherto be sought from developed economies. There is therefore the need for the requisite legal infrastructure and financial support that will cushion these enterprises from the fierce competitions that stagnate their growth.
Originality/value
The study provides a mapping of the digital business models of Ghanaian digital enterprises. This knowledge is arguably the first of its kind in the context of a developing economy. Hence, it serves as a stepping-stone for future studies to explore other areas in the digital economy, especially from a developing economy perspective.
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Senyo PK, Addae E, Boateng R. Cloud computing research: A review of research themes, frameworks, methods and future research directions. International Journal of Information Management 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2017.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Boateng R, Mbrokoh AS, Boateng L, Senyo PK, Ansong E. Determinants of e-learning adoption among students of developing countries. The International Journal of Information and Learning Technology 2016. [DOI: 10.1108/ijilt-02-2016-0008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the determinants of e-learning adoption (ELA) among students in the University of Ghana.
Design/methodology/approach
– A quantitative research approach comprising of a survey of 337 students was adopted. Data were collected using questionnaires designed in conjunction with 13 factors (computer self-efficacy (CSE), perceived ease of use (PEOU), perceived usefulness (PU) and attitude towards use (ATTU)) in the conceptual model of the study. Data analysis was conducted using structural equation modelling.
Findings
– The result revealed that PU and ATTU had a direct effect on ELA whilst, PU and PEOU also had a direct relationship on ATTU. Other variables such as CSE and PEOU had an indirect relationship on ELA though they were found to have an insignificant direct relationship on ELA.
Practical implications
– The level of significance of each construct identified in the study provide practical guidance to school administrators and instructors as to which factors to pay close attention to when implementing e-learning projects within their respective institutions.
Originality/value
– This study provides insight into ELA from the students’ perspective, through an extension of the TAM model in a developing country context given the existence of cultural differences and societal idiosyncrasies which exist in different contexts, particularly in Africa.
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Abstract
Utilizing case studies of farmers and fishermen in Ghana, we investigated the mobile commerce (m-commerce) idiosyncrasies of two rural businesses. We specifically examined the investment cost associated with m-commerce, and the m-commerce adoption practices of farmers and fishermen in selected rural districts in Ghana. We adopted a qualitative research approach and conducted in-depth interviews with management and operational personnel, in our target respondent firms. We found that m-commerce facilitates cost reduction for farmers and fishermen, and affords them opportunities for deepening internal and external business relationships. M-commerce also facilitates the delivery of time-sensitive information, which enhances decision-making in transactions. Whilst m-commerce clearly enhances various value delivery propositions for the farming and fishing companies we profiled, it cannot entirely replace their business value chains. The originality of this study lies in the fact that, it is one of the few scholarly investigations focusing on m-commerce from the perspective of a sub-Saharan country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond A. Boadi
- Hampshire County Council, Room 400, EII Court, The Castle,
Winchester, Hampshire SO23 8US, United Kingdom,
| | - Richard Boateng
- Development Informatics Group, IDPM, SED, University
of Manchester, Arthur Lewis Building, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom,
| | - Robert Hinson
- Department of Marketing, University of Ghana Business
School, PO Box LG 78, Legon-Accra, Ghana,
| | - Robert A. Opoku
- Marketing, Department of Management and Marketing, College of Industrial Management, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, PO Box 5005, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia. (Office)
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da-Costa Vroom FB, Aryeetey R, Boateng R, Anto F, Aikins M, Gyapong M, Gyapong J. Data reporting constraints for the lymphatic filariasis mass drug administration activities in two districts in Ghana: A qualitative study. SAGE Open Med 2015; 3:2050312115594083. [PMID: 26770791 PMCID: PMC4679323 DOI: 10.1177/2050312115594083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2015] [Accepted: 06/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Timely and accurate health data are important for objective decision making and policy formulation. However, little evidence exists to explain why poor quality routine health data persist. This study examined the constraints to data reporting for the lymphatic filariasis mass drug administration programme in two districts in Ghana. This qualitative study focused on timeliness and accuracy of mass drug administration reports submitted by community health volunteers. METHODS The study is nested within a larger study focusing on the feasibility of mobile phone technology for the lymphatic filariasis programme. Using an exploratory study design, data were obtained through in-depth interviews (n = 7) with programme supervisors and focus group discussions (n = 4) with community health volunteers. Results were analysed using thematic content analysis. RESULTS Reasons for delays in reporting were attributed to poor numeracy skills among community health volunteers, difficult physical access to communities, high supervisor workload, poor adherence reporting deadlines, difficulty in reaching communities within allocated time and untimely release of programme funds. Poor accuracy of data was mainly attributed to inadequate motivation for community health volunteers and difficulty calculating summaries. CONCLUSION This study has shown that there are relevant issues that need to be addressed in order to improve the quality of lymphatic filariasis treatment coverage reports. Some of the factors identified are problems within the health system; others are specific to the community health volunteers and the lymphatic filariasis programme. Steps such as training on data reporting should be intensified for community health volunteers, allowances for community health volunteers should be re-evaluated and other non-monetary incentives should be provided for community health volunteers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Francis Anto
- School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Moses Aikins
- School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Margaret Gyapong
- Dodowa Health Research Centre, Ghana Health Service, Dangme West District, Ghana
| | - John Gyapong
- School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
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Boateng R, Hinson R, Galadima R, Olumide L. Preliminary insights into the influence of mobile phones in micro-trading activities of market women in Nigeria. Information Development 2013. [DOI: 10.1177/0266666912473765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
This paper explores the influence of mobile phones on the micro-trading activities of women traders in Nigeria. This exploratory study adopts a qualitative research approach. A theoretical model based on the Technology Acceptance Model is used to analyse two case studies of the micro-trading activities of Nigerian market women. The findings suggest that, first, the benefits obtained by market women tend to be partly influenced by the extent of mobile access and usage by trading partners in their value chain. Second, the knowledge of the trader plays a critical role in determining the type of mobile functionality used. Market women who innovatively integrate mobile services, like mobile banking, stand to reform their market structural processes and become more economically empowered. In micro-trading activities, enhancing communication and trading processes through mobile phones improves revenue acquisition and enhances decision making and control. The research concludes with an emphasis for research and practice to increase the mobile capabilities of those at the ‘bottom of the pyramid’ to beyond voice calls and text messaging. Research propositions and lessons for future research are also outlined. This paper generates new insights about the usage of mobile telephony for the enhancement of economic effectiveness of micro-traders.
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Hinson R, Boateng R, Jull Sorensen O. E‐business financing: preliminary insights from a developing economy context. Journal of Information, Communication and Ethics in Society 2008. [DOI: 10.1108/14779960810916219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PurposeThe deployment and strategic use of e‐business, from basic e‐mail utilization to total enterprise integration, involves the commitment of financial and technical resources. The resources have to be financed. The purpose of this paper is to ascertain the views of trade promotion organizations, donors, export associations and banks on e‐business financing in Ghana's non‐traditional export (NTE) sector, with the view to making policy contributions to the e‐business financing phenomenon in a developing economy (DE) context.Design/methodology/approachThe research design is qualitative since this is an exploratory study and deep preliminary insights were sought about a hitherto under‐researched information systems topic from a developing country perspective. Officials from the trade promotion; export association, donor and financial communities were interviewed to generate insights to help understand the phenomenon under investigation.FindingsSome banks find it difficult financing e‐business in NTE firms because it is considered a new area with relatively higher risks and uncertainties. Banks would rather grant small loans to a few select small and medium enterprise exporters in an attempt to limit their default risk. The trade promotion organization is helping (albeit in a moderate manner) with up‐skilling for the improvement in e‐competencies in Ghana's NTE sector. The export product association in collaboration with the donor interviewed is in the throes of designing e‐business interventions in Ghana's NTE sector after recently completing an e‐readiness survey in the same sector.Originality/valueThis paper presents a modest contribution to the export firm‐electronic business literature from a resource‐centered perspective, in a DE context. Studies on e‐business financing in DEs are virtually non‐existent and the policy prescriptions could apply with minor modifications to other related contexts in respect of e‐business financing.
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