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1. Mosquito breeding water parameters are important determinants for Microsporidia MB in the aquatic stages of Anopheles species

Author: Esinam A. Akorli, Nana Efua Andoh, Richardson K. Egyirifa, Christopher Dorcoo, Sampson Otoo, Seraphim N. A. Tetteh, Reuben Mwimson Pul, Derrick B. Sackitey, Stephen K. D. Oware, Samuel K. Dadzie, and Jewelna Akorli
Subjects: Microsporidia MB, Anopheles mosquitoes, Mosquito breeding site, Physicochemical parameters, Infectious and parasitic diseases, RC109-216
Abstract: Abstract Background Microsporidia MB disrupts Plasmodium development in Anopheles mosquitoes, making it a possible biocontrol tool for malaria. As a tool for vector/disease control, its ecological distribution and the factors that determine their occurrence must be defined. We investigated the frequency of Microsporidia MB in Anopheles mosquitoes across selected sites in northern and southern Ghana, as well as the physicochemical parameters of mosquito breeding water that are associated with the occurrence of the fungus, by fitting regression models. Methods A non-column extraction method was used to extract DNA from the abdomens of 4255 adult Anopheles mosquitoes that emerged from larvae and pupae collected between August and October of 2021 and 2022. Detection of Microsporidia MB was achieved using quantitative PCR (qPCR), while mosquito species were molecularly identified using short interspersed nuclear elements (SINE), restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) methods, and the ANOSPP algorithm. Results Overall Microsporidia MB distribution was 2.2% (92/4255). Male mosquitoes exhibited a higher frequency of infections and had a predicted probability of infection that was 85% higher than that of females. Sites in Ghana's Savannah zone had the highest Microsporidia MB distribution (68.5%). Biochemical oxygen demand in mosquito breeding water was estimated to be positively associated with and significantly predicts Microsporidia MB in mosquitoes with an accuracy of 94%. Increasing ammonium ion concentrations reduced the chances of finding Microsporidia MB-positive mosquitoes. According to our data, all Anopheles mosquitoes, including minor species such as An. squamosus, An. pretoriensis and An. rufipes, had equal probability of Microsporidia MB infection. Conclusions These results provide preliminary information on micro-ecological factors that potentially support the sustainability of Microsporidia MB infection in mosquitoes during their aquatic life stages. It will be important, therefore, to explore the impact of strategies for larval source management on these factors to ensure that the symbiont's persistence during the host's aquatic stages may not be adversely affected should it be used as an integrated approach for mosquito/disease control. Graphical abstract
Published: 2024
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2. Biting behaviour, spatio-temporal dynamics, and the insecticide resistance status of malaria vectors in different ecological zones in Ghana

Author: Osei K. Akuoko, Shittu B. Dhikrullahi, Isaac A. Hinne, Abdul R. Mohammed, Christopher M. Owusu-Asenso, Sylvester Coleman, Samuel K. Dadzie, Rosina Kyerematen, Daniel A. Boakye, Michael D. Wilson, and Yaw A. Afrane
Subjects: Anopheles, Indoor and outdoor densities, Biting time, Sporozoite rate, Genotypic resistance, Infectious and parasitic diseases, RC109-216
Abstract: Abstract Background A significant decrease in malaria morbidity and mortality has been attained using long-lasting insecticide-treated nets and indoor residual spraying. Selective pressure from these control methods influences changes in vector bionomics and behavioural pattern. There is a need to understand how insecticide resistance drives behavioural changes within vector species. This study aimed to determine the spatio-temporal dynamics and biting behaviour of malaria vectors in different ecological zones in Ghana in an era of high insecticide use for public health vector control. Methods Adult mosquitoes were collected during the dry and rainy seasons in 2017 and 2018 from five study sites in Ghana in different ecological zones. Indoor- and outdoor-biting mosquitoes were collected per hour from 18:00 to 06:00 h employing the human landing catch (HLC) technique. Morphological and molecular species identifications of vectors were done using identification keys and PCR respectively. Genotyping of insecticide-resistant markers was done using the TaqMan SNP genotyping probe-based assays. Detection of Plasmodium falciparum sporozoites was determined using PCR. Results A total of 50,322 mosquitoes belonging to four different genera were collected from all the study sites during the sampling seasons in 2017 and 2018. Among the Anophelines were Anopheles gambiae s.l. 93.2%, (31,055/33,334), An. funestus 2.1%, (690/33,334), An. pharoensis 4.6%, (1545/33,334), and An. rufipes 0.1% (44/33,334). Overall, 76.4%, (25,468/33,334) of Anopheles mosquitoes were collected in the rainy season and 23.6%, (7866/33,334) in the dry season. There was a significant difference (Z = 2.410; P = 0.0160) between indoor-biting (51.1%; 15,866/31,055) and outdoor-biting An. gambiae s.l. (48.9%; 15,189/31,055). The frequency of the Vgsc-1014F mutation was slightly higher in indoor-biting mosquitoes (54.9%) than outdoors (45.1%). Overall, 44 pools of samples were positive for P. falciparum CSP giving an overall sporozoite rate of 0.1%. Conclusion Anopheles gambiae s.l. were more abundant indoors across all ecological zones of Ghana. The frequency of G119S was higher indoors than outdoors from all the study sites, but with higher sporozoite rates in outdoor mosquitoes in Dodowa and Kpalsogu. There is, therefore, an urgent need for a supplementary malaria control intervention to control outdoor-biting mosquitoes. Graphical Abstract
Published: 2024
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3. Estimating malaria transmission risk through surveillance of human–vector interactions in northern Ghana

Author: Sylvester Coleman, Yemane Yihdego, Frank Gyamfi, Lena Kolyada, Jon Eric Tongren, Sixte Zigirumugabe, Dominic B. Dery, Kingsley Badu, Kwasi Obiri-Danso, Daniel Boakye, Daniel Szumlas, Jennifer S. Armistead, and Samuel K. Dadzie
Subjects: Anopheles gambiae, Malaria transmission risk, Human behavior observations, Bionomics, Insecticide treated nets(ITNs), Indoor residual spraying, Infectious and parasitic diseases, RC109-216
Abstract: Abstract Background Vector bionomics are important aspects of vector-borne disease control programs. Mosquito-biting risks are affected by environmental, mosquito behavior and human factors, which are important for assessing exposure risk and intervention impacts. This study estimated malaria transmission risk based on vector–human interactions in northern Ghana, where indoor residual spraying (IRS) and insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) have been deployed. Methods Indoor and outdoor human biting rates (HBRs) were measured using monthly human landing catches (HLCs) from June 2017 to April 2019. Mosquitoes collected were identified to species level, and Anopheles gambiae sensu lato (An. gambiae s.l.) samples were examined for parity and infectivity. The HBRs were adjusted using mosquito parity and human behavioral observations. Results Anopheles gambiae was the main vector species in the IRS (81%) and control (83%) communities. Indoor and outdoor HBRs were similar in both the IRS intervention (10.6 vs. 11.3 bites per person per night [b/p/n]; z = −0.33, P = 0.745) and control communities (18.8 vs. 16.4 b/p/n; z = 1.57, P = 0.115). The mean proportion of parous An. gambiae s.l. was lower in IRS communities (44.6%) than in control communities (71.7%). After adjusting for human behavior observations and parity, the combined effect of IRS and ITN utilization (IRS: 37.8%; control: 57.3%) on reducing malaria transmission risk was 58% in IRS + ITN communities and 27% in control communities with ITNs alone (z = −4.07, P
Published: 2023
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4. Spatial and Seasonal Patterns of Tick Infestations in Kassena-Nankana Livestock

Author: Seth Offei Addo, Ronald Essah Bentil, Bernice Olivia Ama Baako, Jane Ansah-Owusu, Christopher Nii Laryea Tawiah-Mensah, Eric Behene, Victor Asoala, James C. Dunford, John Asiedu Larbi, Philip Kweku Baidoo, Michael David Wilson, Joseph W. Diclaro, and Samuel K. Dadzie
Subjects: Veterinary medicine, SF600-1100
Abstract: The ability of ticks to adapt to different ecological zones, coupled with the spread of infectious pathogens negatively affects livestock production and thus, there is a need for better control strategies. However, control measures within a geographical region can only be effective if there is available information on tick population dynamics and ecology. This study focused on ticks infesting livestock in the Kassena-Nankana Districts of the Upper East Region of Ghana. The ticks were morphologically identified, variables such as season, animal host, and predilection sites were recorded, and the data were analyzed using STATA version 13. Out of 448 livestock examined, tick infestation in cattle was (78.60%), followed by sheep (25%) and goats (5.88%). A total of 1,550 ticks including nymphs (303) and adults (1,247) were collected. Adult ticks were found to be significantly associated with season (p
Published: 2024
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5. Thyroid dysfunction and glycaemic control among Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in Ghana: A comparative cross‐sectional study

Author: Samuel Asamoah Sakyi, Bright Ameyaw, Edwin Ferguson Laing, Richard Anthony, Richard K. Dadzie Ephraim, Alfred Effah, Afia Agyapomaa Kwayie, Ebenezer Senu, Enoch Odame Anto, Emmanuel Acheampong, Bright Oppong Afranie, Benjamin Amoani, and Stephen Opoku
Subjects: endocrinopathies, glycaemic control, thyroid dysfunction, thyroid‐stimulating hormone, thyroxine, triiodothyronine, Diseases of the endocrine glands. Clinical endocrinology, RC648-665
Abstract: Abstract Introduction Thyroid disorders and diabetes mellitus coexist and are prevalent endocrinopathies among adult population. Thyroid dysfunction contributes to metabolic imbalances, increase beta‐cell apoptosis and glucose intolerance. There is paucity of data and contradicting findings on how thyroid dysfunction influence glycaemic control. Therefore, we evaluated thyroid dysfunction and glycaemic control among Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients in Ghana. Methods A comparative cross‐sectional study was conducted among 192 T2DM patients from Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital. Three consecutive monthly fasting plasma glucose (FBG) and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) were analysed and the results were classified as, moderate hyperglycaemia (MH) (FBG = 6.1–12.0 mmol/L, HbA1c 7%) and good glycaemic controls (GC) (FBG = 4.1–6.0 mmol/L, HbA1c
Published: 2023
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6. An open-source deep learning network AVA-Net for arterial-venous area segmentation in optical coherence tomography angiography

Author: Mansour Abtahi, David Le, Behrouz Ebrahimi, Albert K. Dadzie, Jennifer I. Lim, and Xincheng Yao
Subjects: Medicine
Abstract: Abstract Background Differential artery-vein (AV) analysis in optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) holds promise for the early detection of eye diseases. However, currently available methods for AV analysis are limited for binary processing of retinal vasculature in OCTA, without quantitative information of vascular perfusion intensity. This study is to develop and validate a method for quantitative AV analysis of vascular perfusion intensity. Method A deep learning network AVA-Net has been developed for automated AV area (AVA) segmentation in OCTA. Seven new OCTA features, including arterial area (AA), venous area (VA), AVA ratio (AVAR), total perfusion intensity density (T-PID), arterial PID (A-PID), venous PID (V-PID), and arterial-venous PID ratio (AV-PIDR), were extracted and tested for early detection of diabetic retinopathy (DR). Each of these seven features was evaluated for quantitative evaluation of OCTA images from healthy controls, diabetic patients without DR (NoDR), and mild DR. Results It was observed that the area features, i.e., AA, VA and AVAR, can reveal significant differences between the control and mild DR. Vascular perfusion parameters, including T-PID and A-PID, can differentiate mild DR from control group. AV-PIDR can disclose significant differences among all three groups, i.e., control, NoDR, and mild DR. According to Bonferroni correction, the combination of A-PID and AV-PIDR can reveal significant differences in all three groups. Conclusions AVA-Net, which is available on GitHub for open access, enables quantitative AV analysis of AV area and vascular perfusion intensity. Comparative analysis revealed AV-PIDR as the most sensitive feature for OCTA detection of early DR. Ensemble AV feature analysis, e.g., the combination of A-PID and AV-PIDR, can further improve the performance for early DR assessment.
Published: 2023
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7. First molecular identification of multiple tick-borne pathogens in livestock within Kassena-Nankana, Ghana

Author: Seth Offei Addo, Ronald Essah Bentil, Kevin Nii Yartey, Jane Ansah-Owusu, Eric Behene, Philip Opoku-Agyeman, Selassie Bruku, Victor Asoala, Suzanne Mate, John Asiedu Larbi, Philip Kweku Baidoo, Michael David Wilson, Joseph W. Diclaro, and Samuel K. Dadzie
Subjects: Livestock, Rickettsia, Babesia, Theileria, Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Veterinary medicine, SF600-1100, Public aspects of medicine, RA1-1270
Abstract: Abstract The risk of pathogen transmission continues to increase significantly in the presence of tick vectors due to the trade of livestock across countries. In Ghana, there is a lack of data on the incidence of tick-borne pathogens that are of zoonotic and veterinary importance. This study, therefore, aimed to determine the prevalence of such pathogens in livestock using molecular approaches. A total of 276 dry blood spots were collected from cattle (100), sheep (95) and goats (81) in the Kassena-Nankana Districts. The samples were analyzed using Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) and conventional assays and Sanger sequencing that targeted pathogens including Rickettsia, Coxiella, Babesia, Theileria, Ehrlichia and Anaplasma. An overall prevalence of 36.96% was recorded from the livestock DBS, with mixed infections seen in 7.97% samples. Furthermore, the prevalence of infections in livestock was recorded to be 19.21% in sheep, 14.13% in cattle, and 3.62% in goats. The pathogens identified were Rickettsia spp. (3.26%), Babesia sp. Lintan (8.70%), Theileria orientalis (2.17%), Theileria parva (0.36%), Anaplasma capra (18.48%), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (1.81%), Anaplasma marginale (3.26%) and Anaplasma ovis (7.25%). This study reports the first molecular identification of the above-mentioned pathogens in livestock in Ghana and highlights the use of dry blood spots in resource-limited settings. In addition, this research provides an update on tick-borne pathogens in Ghana, suggesting risks to livestock production and human health. Further studies will be essential to establish the distribution and epidemiology of these pathogens in Ghana.
Published: 2023
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8. Building the capacity of West African countries in Aedes surveillance: inaugural meeting of the West African Aedes Surveillance Network (WAASuN)

Author: Samuel K. Dadzie, Jewelna Akorli, Mamadou B. Coulibaly, Koffi Mensah Ahadji-Dabla, Ibrahima Baber, Thierry Bobanga, Ali Ould Mohamed Salem Boukhary, Tiago Canelas, Luca Facchinelli, Adéritow Gonçalves, Moussa Guelbeogo, Basile Kamgang, Ibrahima Kalil Keita, Lucien Konan, Rebecca Levine, Nicole Dzuris, Audrey Lenhart, and WAASuN contributors
Subjects: Infectious and parasitic diseases, RC109-216
Abstract: Abstract Arboviral diseases such as dengue, Zika and chikungunya transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes have been reported in 34 African countries. Available data indicate that in recent years there have been dengue and chikungunya outbreaks in the West Africa subregion, in countries including Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Gabon, Senegal, and Benin. These viral diseases are causing an increased public health burden, which impedes poverty reduction and sustainable development. Aedes surveillance and control capacity, which are key to reducing the prevalence of arboviral infections, need to be strengthened in West Africa, to provide information essential for the formulation of effective vector control strategies and the prediction of arboviral disease outbreaks. In line with these objectives, the West African Aedes Surveillance Network (WAASuN) was created in 2017 at a meeting held in Sierra Leone comprising African scientists working on Aedes mosquitoes. This manuscript describes the proceedings and discusses key highlights of the meeting. Graphical Abstract
Published: 2022
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9. Temporal Structures in Positron Spectra and Charge-Sign Effects in Galactic Cosmic Rays

Author: M. Aguilar, G. Ambrosi, H. Anderson, L. Arruda, N. Attig, C. Bagwell, F. Barao, M. Barbanera, L. Barrin, A. Bartoloni, R. Battiston, N. Belyaev, J. Berdugo, B. Bertucci, V. Bindi, K. Bollweg, J. Bolster, M. Borchiellini, B. Borgia, M. J. Boschini, M. Bourquin, J. Burger, W. J. Burger, X. D. Cai, M. Capell, J. Casaus, G. Castellini, F. Cervelli, Y. H. Chang, G. M. Chen, G. R. Chen, H. Chen, H. S. Chen, Y. Chen, L. Cheng, H. Y. Chou, S. Chouridou, V. Choutko, C. H. Chung, C. Clark, G. Coignet, C. Consolandi, A. Contin, C. Corti, Z. Cui, K. Dadzie, F. D’Angelo, A. Dass, C. Delgado, S. Della Torre, M. B. Demirköz, L. Derome, S. Di Falco, V. Di Felice, C. Díaz, F. Dimiccoli, P. von Doetinchem, F. Dong, F. Donnini, M. Duranti, A. Egorov, A. Eline, F. Faldi, J. Feng, E. Fiandrini, P. Fisher, V. Formato, C. Gámez, R. J. García-López, C. Gargiulo, H. Gast, M. Gervasi, F. Giovacchini, D. M. Gómez-Coral, J. Gong, C. Goy, D. Grandi, M. Graziani, A. N. Guracho, S. Haino, K. C. Han, R. K. Hashmani, Z. H. He, B. Heber, T. H. Hsieh, J. Y. Hu, B. W. Huang, M. Ionica, M. Incagli, Yi Jia, H. Jinchi, G. Karagöz, S. Khan, B. Khiali, Th. Kirn, A. P. Klipfel, O. Kounina, A. Kounine, V. Koutsenko, D. Krasnopevtsev, A. Kuhlman, A. Kulemzin, G. La Vacca, E. Laudi, G. Laurenti, G. LaVecchia, I. Lazzizzera, H. T. Lee, S. C. Lee, H. L. Li, J. Q. Li, M. Li, Q. Li, Q. Y. Li, S. Li, S. L. Li, J. H. Li, Z. H. Li, J. Liang, M. J. Liang, C. H. Lin, T. Lippert, J. H. Liu, S. Q. Lu, Y. S. Lu, K. Luebelsmeyer, J. Z. Luo, S. D. Luo, Xi Luo, C. Mañá, J. Marín, J. Marquardt, T. Martin, G. Martínez, N. Masi, D. Maurin, T. Medvedeva, A. Menchaca-Rocha, Q. Meng, M. Molero, P. Mott, L. Mussolin, Y. Najafi Jozani, J. Negrete, R. Nicolaidis, N. Nikonov, F. Nozzoli, J. Ocampo-Peleteiro, A. Oliva, M. Orcinha, M. A. Ottupara, M. Palermo, F. Palmonari, M. Paniccia, A. Pashnin, M. Pauluzzi, S. Pensotti, V. Plyaskin, S. Poluianov, X. Qin, Z. Y. Qu, L. Quadrani, P. G. Rancoita, D. Rapin, A. Reina Conde, E. Robyn, I. Rodríguez-García, L. Romaneehsen, F. Rossi, A. Rozhkov, D. Rozza, R. Sagdeev, E. Savin, S. Schael, A. Schultz von Dratzig, G. Schwering, E. S. Seo, B. S. Shan, T. Siedenburg, G. Silvestre, J. W. Song, X. J. Song, R. Sonnabend, L. Strigari, T. Su, Q. Sun, Z. T. Sun, M. Tacconi, X. W. Tang, Z. C. Tang, J. Tian, Y. Tian, Samuel C. C. Ting, S. M. Ting, N. Tomassetti, J. Torsti, T. Urban, I. Usoskin, V. Vagelli, R. Vainio, M. Valencia-Otero, E. Valente, E. Valtonen, M. Vázquez Acosta, M. Vecchi, M. Velasco, J. P. Vialle, C. X. Wang, L. Wang, L. Q. Wang, N. H. Wang, Q. L. Wang, S. Wang, X. Wang, Yu Wang, Z. M. Wang, J. Wei, Z. L. Weng, H. Wu, Y. Wu, J. N. Xiao, R. Q. Xiong, X. Z. Xiong, W. Xu, Q. Yan, H. T. Yang, Y. Yang, A. Yelland, H. Yi, Y. H. You, Y. M. Yu, Z. Q. Yu, C. Zhang, F. Zhang, F. Z. Zhang, J. Zhang, J. H. Zhang, Z. Zhang, F. Zhao, C. Zheng, Z. M. Zheng, H. L. Zhuang, V. Zhukov, A. Zichichi, and P. Zuccon
Published: 2023
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10. Properties of Cosmic-Ray Sulfur and Determination of the Composition of Primary Cosmic-Ray Carbon, Neon, Magnesium, and Sulfur: Ten-Year Results from the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer

Author: M. Aguilar, L. Ali Cavasonza, B. Alpat, G. Ambrosi, L. Arruda, N. Attig, C. Bagwell, F. Barao, L. Barrin, A. Bartoloni, S. Başeğmez-du Pree, R. Battiston, N. Belyaev, J. Berdugo, B. Bertucci, V. Bindi, K. Bollweg, J. Bolster, M. Borchiellini, B. Borgia, M. J. Boschini, M. Bourquin, E. F. Bueno, J. Burger, W. J. Burger, X. D. Cai, M. Capell, J. Casaus, G. Castellini, F. Cervelli, Y. H. Chang, G. M. Chen, G. R. Chen, H. Chen, H. S. Chen, Y. Chen, L. Cheng, H. Y. Chou, S. Chouridou, V. Choutko, C. H. Chung, C. Clark, G. Coignet, C. Consolandi, A. Contin, C. Corti, Z. Cui, K. Dadzie, A. Dass, C. Delgado, S. Della Torre, M. B. Demirköz, L. Derome, S. Di Falco, V. Di Felice, C. Díaz, F. Dimiccoli, P. von Doetinchem, F. Dong, F. Donnini, M. Duranti, A. Egorov, A. Eline, F. Faldi, J. Feng, E. Fiandrini, P. Fisher, V. Formato, C. Gámez, R. J. García-López, C. Gargiulo, H. Gast, M. Gervasi, F. Giovacchini, D. M. Gómez-Coral, J. Gong, C. Goy, V. Grabski, D. Grandi, M. Graziani, A. N. Guracho, S. Haino, K. C. Han, R. K. Hashmani, Z. H. He, B. Heber, T. H. Hsieh, J. Y. Hu, B. W. Huang, M. Incagli, W. Y. Jang, Yi Jia, H. Jinchi, G. Karagöz, B. Khiali, G. N. Kim, Th. Kirn, O. Kounina, A. Kounine, V. Koutsenko, D. Krasnopevtsev, A. Kuhlman, A. Kulemzin, G. La Vacca, E. Laudi, G. Laurenti, G. LaVecchia, I. Lazzizzera, H. T. Lee, S. C. Lee, H. L. Li, J. Q. Li, M. Li, Q. Li, Q. Y. Li, S. Li, S. L. Li, J. H. Li, Z. H. Li, J. Liang, M. J. Liang, C. H. Lin, T. Lippert, J. H. Liu, S. Q. Lu, Y. S. Lu, K. Luebelsmeyer, J. Z. Luo, S. D. Luo, Xi Luo, F. Machate, C. Mañá, J. Marín, J. Marquardt, T. Martin, G. Martínez, N. Masi, D. Maurin, T. Medvedeva, A. Menchaca-Rocha, Q. Meng, V. V. Mikhailov, M. Molero, P. Mott, L. Mussolin, J. Negrete, N. Nikonov, F. Nozzoli, J. Ocampo-Peleteiro, A. Oliva, M. Orcinha, M. A. Ottupara, M. Palermo, F. Palmonari, M. Paniccia, A. Pashnin, M. Pauluzzi, S. Pensotti, V. Plyaskin, S. Poluianov, X. Qin, Z. Y. Qu, L. Quadrani, P. G. Rancoita, D. Rapin, A. Reina Conde, E. Robyn, L. Romaneehsen, A. Rozhkov, D. Rozza, R. Sagdeev, S. Schael, A. Schultz von Dratzig, G. Schwering, E. S. Seo, B. S. Shan, T. Siedenburg, J. W. Song, X. J. Song, R. Sonnabend, L. Strigari, T. Su, Q. Sun, Z. T. Sun, M. Tacconi, X. W. Tang, Z. C. Tang, J. Tian, Y. Tian, Samuel C. C. Ting, S. M. Ting, N. Tomassetti, J. Torsti, T. Urban, I. Usoskin, V. Vagelli, R. Vainio, M. Valencia-Otero, E. Valente, E. Valtonen, M. Vázquez Acosta, M. Vecchi, M. Velasco, J. P. Vialle, C. X. Wang, L. Wang, L. Q. Wang, N. H. Wang, Q. L. Wang, S. Wang, X. Wang, Yu Wang, Z. M. Wang, J. Wei, Z. L. Weng, H. Wu, Y. Wu, J. N. Xiao, R. Q. Xiong, X. Z. Xiong, W. Xu, Q. Yan, H. T. Yang, Y. Yang, I. I. Yashin, A. Yelland, H. Yi, Y. H. You, Y. M. Yu, Z. Q. Yu, M. Zannoni, C. Zhang, F. Zhang, F. Z. Zhang, J. Zhang, J. H. Zhang, Z. Zhang, F. Zhao, C. Zheng, Z. M. Zheng, H. L. Zhuang, V. Zhukov, A. Zichichi, and P. Zuccon
Published: 2023
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11. Comparison of Modified Manual Acid-Phenol Chloroform Method and Commercial RNA Extraction Kits for Resource Limited Laboratories

Author: Samuel Asamoah Sakyi, Alfred Effah, Emmanuel Naturinda, Ebenezer Senu, Stephen Opoku, Benjamin Amoani, Samuel Kekeli Agordzo, Oscar Simon Olympio Mensah, James Grant, Elizabeth Abban, Tonnies Abeku Buckman, Alexander Kwarteng, Richard K. Dadzie Ephraim, and Kwabena Owusu Danquah
Subjects: Medicine
Abstract: Background and Aim. RNA extraction is a commonly used technique in molecular biology. In recent years, commercially available RNA extraction kits have largely replaced conventional approaches. However, these commercial kits are expensive and are not readily available in many resource-constrained institutions and laboratories. This study therefore compared the performance of the conventional acid guanidinium thiocyanate-phenol-chloroform (AGPC) extraction method to QIAamp® Viral RNA Mini Kit (QIAGEN, Cat. No. 52906) and OxGEn RNA Kit (OxGEn Molecular Solutions, GE-009) to build an in-house RNA extraction technique from blood and oral swab samples. Method. In a comparative experimental cross-sectional study, RNA was extracted from oral swabs and blood samples from 25 healthy individuals at the Department of Molecular Medicine, KNUST. RNA was extracted by the manual AGPC extraction method and commercial RNA extraction kits. The quantity (ng/μl) and purities (260/280 nm) of the extracted RNA were measured spectrophotometrically using the IMPLEN NanoPhotometer® N60. The presence of RNA in the extracts was confirmed using 2% agarose gel electrophoresis. Statistical analyses were conducted using R language. Results. The yield of RNA extracted from blood and oral swab samples using modified AGPC was significantly higher compared to the commercial methods (p
Published: 2023
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12. Tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase 2 (TIMP-2) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 7 (IGFBP7) best predicts the development of acute kidney injury

Author: Sakyi, Samuel Asamoah, Ephraim, Richard K. Dadzie, Adoba, Prince, Amoani, Benjamin, Buckman, Tonnies, Mantey, Richard, and Eghan, Benjamin A.
Published: 2021
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13. Temporal Structures in Electron Spectra and Charge Sign Effects in Galactic Cosmic Rays

Author: M. Aguilar, L. Ali Cavasonza, G. Ambrosi, L. Arruda, N. Attig, C. Bagwell, F. Barao, L. Barrin, A. Bartoloni, S. Başeğmez-du Pree, R. Battiston, M. Behlmann, N. Belyaev, J. Berdugo, B. Bertucci, V. Bindi, K. Bollweg, J. Bolster, B. Borgia, M. J. Boschini, M. Bourquin, E. F. Bueno, J. Burger, W. J. Burger, S. Burmeister, X. D. Cai, M. Capell, J. Casaus, G. Castellini, F. Cervelli, Y. H. Chang, G. M. Chen, G. R. Chen, H. S. Chen, Y. Chen, L. Cheng, H. Y. Chou, S. Chouridou, V. Choutko, C. H. Chung, C. Clark, G. Coignet, C. Consolandi, A. Contin, C. Corti, Z. Cui, K. Dadzie, A. Dass, C. Delgado, S. Della Torre, M. B. Demirköz, L. Derome, S. Di Falco, V. Di Felice, C. Díaz, F. Dimiccoli, P. von Doetinchem, F. Dong, F. Donnini, M. Duranti, A. Egorov, A. Eline, F. Faldi, J. Feng, E. Fiandrini, P. Fisher, V. Formato, C. Freeman, C. Gámez, R. J. García-López, C. Gargiulo, H. Gast, M. Gervasi, F. Giovacchini, D. M. Gómez-Coral, J. Gong, C. Goy, V. Grabski, D. Grandi, M. Graziani, A. N. Guracho, S. Haino, K. C. Han, R. K. Hashmani, Z. H. He, B. Heber, T. H. Hsieh, J. Y. Hu, M. Incagli, W. Y. Jang, Yi Jia, H. Jinchi, G. Karagöz, B. Khiali, G. N. Kim, Th. Kirn, O. Kounina, A. Kounine, V. Koutsenko, D. Krasnopevtsev, A. Kuhlman, A. Kulemzin, G. La Vacca, E. Laudi, G. Laurenti, G. LaVecchia, I. Lazzizzera, H. T. Lee, S. C. Lee, H. L. Li, J. Q. Li, M. Li, Q. Li, Q. Y. Li, S. Li, S. L. Li, J. H. Li, Z. H. Li, J. Liang, M. J. Liang, C. Light, C. H. Lin, T. Lippert, J. H. Liu, S. Q. Lu, Y. S. Lu, K. Luebelsmeyer, J. Z. Luo, Xi Luo, F. Machate, C. Mañá, J. Marín, J. Marquardt, T. Martin, G. Martínez, N. Masi, D. Maurin, T. Medvedeva, A. Menchaca-Rocha, Q. Meng, V. V. Mikhailov, M. Molero, P. Mott, L. Mussolin, J. Negrete, N. Nikonov, F. Nozzoli, J. Ocampo-Peleteiro, A. Oliva, M. Orcinha, M. Palermo, F. Palmonari, M. Paniccia, A. Pashnin, M. Pauluzzi, S. Pensotti, V. Plyaskin, M. Pohl, S. Poluianov, X. Qin, Z. Y. Qu, L. Quadrani, P. G. Rancoita, D. Rapin, A. Reina Conde, E. Robyn, S. Rosier-Lees, A. Rozhkov, D. Rozza, R. Sagdeev, S. Schael, A. Schultz von Dratzig, G. Schwering, E. S. Seo, B. S. Shan, T. Siedenburg, J. W. Song, X. J. Song, R. Sonnabend, L. Strigari, T. Su, Q. Sun, Z. T. Sun, M. Tacconi, X. W. Tang, Z. C. Tang, J. Tian, Samuel C. C. Ting, S. M. Ting, N. Tomassetti, J. Torsti, T. Urban, I. Usoskin, V. Vagelli, R. Vainio, M. Valencia-Otero, E. Valente, E. Valtonen, M. Vázquez Acosta, M. Vecchi, M. Velasco, J. P. Vialle, C. X. Wang, L. Wang, L. Q. Wang, N. H. Wang, Q. L. Wang, S. Wang, X. Wang, Yu Wang, Z. M. Wang, J. Wei, Z. L. Weng, H. Wu, R. Q. Xiong, W. Xu, Q. Yan, Y. Yang, I. I. Yashin, A. Yelland, H. Yi, Y. M. Yu, Z. Q. Yu, M. Zannoni, C. Zhang, F. Zhang, F. Z. Zhang, J. H. Zhang, Z. Zhang, F. Zhao, C. Zheng, Z. M. Zheng, H. L. Zhuang, V. Zhukov, A. Zichichi, and P. Zuccon
Published: 2023
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14. Partial indoor residual spraying with pirimiphos-methyl as an effective and cost-saving measure for the control of Anopheles gambiae s.l. in northern Ghana

Author: Sylvester Coleman, Yemane Yihdego, Ellie Sherrard-Smith, Churcher S. Thomas, Dereje Dengela, Richard M. Oxborough, Samuel K. Dadzie, Daniel Boakye, Frank Gyamfi, Kwasi Obiri-Danso, Ben Johns, Lilly V. Siems, Bradford Lucas, Jon Eric Tongren, Sixte Zigirumugabe, Dominic Dery, Christen Fornadel, Kristen George, Allison Belemvire, Jenny Carlson, Seth R. Irish, Jennifer S. Armistead, and Aklilu Seyoum
Subjects: Medicine, Science
Abstract: Abstract The scale up of indoor residual spraying (IRS) and insecticide treated nets have contributed significantly to global reductions in malaria prevalence over the last two decades. However, widespread pyrethroid resistance has necessitated the use of new and more expensive insecticides for IRS. Partial IRS with pirimiphos-methyl in experimental huts and houses in a village-wide trial was evaluated against Anopheles gambiae s.l. in northern Ghana. Four different scenarios in which either only the top or bottom half of the walls of experimental huts were sprayed, with or without also spraying the ceiling were compared. Mortality of An. gambiae s.l. on partially sprayed walls was compared with the standard procedures in which all walls and ceiling surfaces are sprayed. A small-scale trial was then conducted to assess the effectiveness, feasibility, and cost of spraying only the upper walls and ceiling as compared to full IRS and no spraying in northern Ghana. Human landing catches were conducted to estimate entomological indices and determine the effectiveness of partial IRS. An established transmission dynamics model was parameterized by an analysis of the experimental hut data and used to predict the epidemiological impact and cost effectiveness of partial IRS for malaria control in northern Ghana. In the experimental huts, partial IRS of the top (IRR 0.89, p = 0.13) or bottom (IRR 0.90, p = 0.15) half of walls and the ceiling was not significantly less effective than full IRS in terms of mosquito mortality. In the village trial, the annual entomological inoculation rate was higher for the unsprayed control (217 infective bites/person/year (ib/p/yr)) compared with the fully and partially sprayed sites, with 28 and 38 ib/p/yr, respectively. The transmission model predicts that the efficacy of partial IRS against all-age prevalence of malaria after six months would be broadly equivalent to a full IRS campaign in which 40% reduction is expected relative to no spray campaign. At scale, partial IRS in northern Ghana would have resulted in a 33% cost savings ($496,426) that would enable spraying of 36,000 additional rooms. These findings suggest that partial IRS is an effective, feasible, and cost saving approach to IRS that could be adopted to sustain and expand implementation of this key malaria control intervention.
Published: 2021
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15. Profiling vitamin D, its mediators and proinflammatory cytokines in rheumatoid arthritis: A case–control study

Author: Samuel A. Sakyi, Mavis Owusu‐Yeboah, Christian Obirikorang, Richard K. Dadzie Ephraim, Alexander Kwarteng, Stephen Opoku, Bright O. Afranie, Ebenezer Senu, Andy O. Boateng, Derrick K. Boakye, Tonnies A. Buckman, and Benjamin Amoani
Subjects: mediators of vitamin D, parathyroid hormone, phosphorus, proinflammatory cytokines, rheumatoid arthritis, Immunologic diseases. Allergy, RC581-607
Abstract: Abstract Introduction The active form of vitamin D has immunomodulatory and anti‐inflammatory effect. Vitamin D is implicated in pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and its deficiency leads to increased inflammation. Moreover, its production is dependent on concentration of calcium, phosphorus, and parathyroid hormone (PTH). Cytokines mediates inflammation in RA synovium. This study evaluated vitamin D, its mediators and proinflammatory cytokines among RA patients. Methods In a case–control study, 78 RA patients from Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital rheumatology clinic and 60 healthy blood donors were recruited. Chemistry analyzer and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kits were used to measure biochemical parameters and cytokines. Results We found significantly higher levels of interleukin (IL)‐1β, interferon gamma (IFN‐γ), and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) in RA patients compared with controls (p .05), IL‐1β (r = −0.25, p > .05), TNF‐α (r = −0.26, p > .05), IFN‐γ (r = −0.24, p > .05), and iPTH. There was a significant negative correlation between IL‐1β (r = −0.33, p
Published: 2022
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16. Indoor residual spraying with a non-pyrethroid insecticide reduces the reservoir of Plasmodium falciparum in a high-transmission area in northern Ghana.

Author: Kathryn E Tiedje, Abraham R Oduro, Oscar Bangre, Lucas Amenga-Etego, Samuel K Dadzie, Maxwell A Appawu, Kwadwo Frempong, Victor Asoala, Shazia Ruybal-Pésantez, Charles A Narh, Samantha L Deed, Dionne C Argyropoulos, Anita Ghansah, Samuel A Agyei, Sylvester Segbaya, Kwame Desewu, Ignatius Williams, Julie A Simpson, Keziah Malm, Mercedes Pascual, Kwadwo A Koram, and Karen P Day
Subjects: Public aspects of medicine, RA1-1270
Abstract: High-malaria burden countries in sub-Saharan Africa are shifting from malaria control towards elimination. Hence, there is need to gain a contemporary understanding of how indoor residual spraying (IRS) with non-pyrethroid insecticides when combined with long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) impregnated with pyrethroid insecticides, contribute to the efforts of National Malaria Control Programmes to interrupt transmission and reduce the reservoir of Plasmodium falciparum infections across all ages. Using an interrupted time-series study design, four age-stratified malariometric surveys, each of ~2,000 participants, were undertaken pre- and post-IRS in Bongo District, Ghana. Following the application of three-rounds of IRS, P. falciparum transmission intensity declined, as measured by a >90% reduction in the monthly entomological inoculation rate. This decline was accompanied by reductions in parasitological parameters, with participants of all ages being significantly less likely to harbor P. falciparum infections at the end of the wet season post-IRS (aOR = 0.22 [95% CI: 0.19-0.26], p-value < 0.001). In addition, multiplicity of infection (MOI var ) was measured using a parasite fingerprinting tool, designed to capture within-host genome diversity. At the end of the wet season post-IRS, the prevalence of multi-genome infections declined from 75.6% to 54.1%. This study demonstrates that in areas characterized by high seasonal malaria transmission, IRS in combination with LLINs can significantly reduce the reservoir of P. falciparum infection. Nonetheless despite this success, 41.6% of the population, especially older children and adolescents, still harboured multi-genome infections. Given the persistence of this diverse reservoir across all ages, these data highlight the importance of sustaining vector control in combination with targeted chemotherapy to move high-transmission settings towards pre-elimination. This study also points to the benefits of molecular surveillance to ensure that incremental achievements are not lost and that the goals advocated for in the WHO's High Burden to High Impact strategy are realized.
Published: 2022
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17. Properties of Daily Helium Fluxes

Author: M. Aguilar, L. Ali Cavasonza, G. Ambrosi, L. Arruda, N. Attig, F. Barao, L. Barrin, A. Bartoloni, S. Başeğmez-du Pree, R. Battiston, M. Behlmann, J. Berdugo, B. Bertucci, V. Bindi, K. Bollweg, B. Borgia, M. J. Boschini, M. Bourquin, E. F. Bueno, J. Burger, W. J. Burger, S. Burmeister, X. D. Cai, M. Capell, J. Casaus, G. Castellini, F. Cervelli, Y. H. Chang, G. M. Chen, G. R. Chen, H. S. Chen, Y. Chen, L. Cheng, H. Y. Chou, S. Chouridou, V. Choutko, C. H. Chung, C. Clark, G. Coignet, C. Consolandi, A. Contin, C. Corti, Z. Cui, K. Dadzie, A. Dass, C. Delgado, S. Della Torre, M. B. Demirköz, L. Derome, S. Di Falco, V. Di Felice, C. Díaz, F. Dimiccoli, P. von Doetinchem, F. Dong, F. Donnini, M. Duranti, A. Egorov, A. Eline, J. Feng, E. Fiandrini, P. Fisher, V. Formato, C. Freeman, C. Gámez, R. J. García-López, C. Gargiulo, H. Gast, M. Gervasi, F. Giovacchini, D. M. Gómez-Coral, J. Gong, C. Goy, V. Grabski, D. Grandi, M. Graziani, S. Haino, K. C. Han, R. K. Hashmani, Z. H. He, B. Heber, T. H. Hsieh, J. Y. Hu, M. Incagli, W. Y. Jang, Yi Jia, H. Jinchi, G. Karagöz, B. Khiali, G. N. Kim, Th. Kirn, M. Konyushikhin, O. Kounina, A. Kounine, V. Koutsenko, D. Krasnopevtsev, A. Kuhlman, A. Kulemzin, G. La Vacca, E. Laudi, G. Laurenti, I. Lazzizzera, H. T. Lee, S. C. Lee, H. L. Li, J. Q. Li, M. Li, Q. Li, Q. Y. Li, S. Li, S. L. Li, J. H. Li, Z. H. Li, J. Liang, M. J. Liang, C. Light, C. H. Lin, T. Lippert, J. H. Liu, S. Q. Lu, Y. S. Lu, K. Luebelsmeyer, J. Z. Luo, Xi Luo, F. Machate, C. Mañá, J. Marín, J. Marquardt, T. Martin, G. Martínez, N. Masi, D. Maurin, T. Medvedeva, A. Menchaca-Rocha, Q. Meng, V. V. Mikhailov, M. Molero, P. Mott, L. Mussolin, J. Negrete, N. Nikonov, F. Nozzoli, J. Ocampo-Peleteiro, A. Oliva, M. Orcinha, M. Palermo, F. Palmonari, M. Paniccia, A. Pashnin, M. Pauluzzi, S. Pensotti, V. Plyaskin, M. Pohl, S. Poluianov, X. Qin, Z. Y. Qu, L. Quadrani, P. G. Rancoita, D. Rapin, A. Reina Conde, E. Robyn, S. Rosier-Lees, A. Rozhkov, D. Rozza, R. Sagdeev, S. Schael, A. Schultz von Dratzig, G. Schwering, E. S. Seo, B. S. Shan, T. Siedenburg, J. W. Song, X. J. Song, R. Sonnabend, L. Strigari, T. Su, Q. Sun, Z. T. Sun, M. Tacconi, X. W. Tang, Z. C. Tang, J. Tian, Samuel C. C. Ting, S. M. Ting, N. Tomassetti, J. Torsti, T. Urban, I. Usoskin, V. Vagelli, R. Vainio, M. Valencia-Otero, E. Valente, E. Valtonen, M. Vázquez Acosta, M. Vecchi, M. Velasco, J. P. Vialle, C. X. Wang, L. Wang, L. Q. Wang, N. H. Wang, Q. L. Wang, S. Wang, X. Wang, Yu Wang, Z. M. Wang, J. Wei, Z. L. Weng, H. Wu, R. Q. Xiong, W. Xu, Q. Yan, Y. Yang, I. I. Yashin, H. Yi, Y. M. Yu, Z. Q. Yu, M. Zannoni, C. Zhang, F. Zhang, F. Z. Zhang, J. H. Zhang, Z. Zhang, F. Zhao, C. Zheng, Z. M. Zheng, H. L. Zhuang, V. Zhukov, A. Zichichi, and P. Zuccon
Published: 2022
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18. High insecticide resistance intensity of Anopheles gambiae (s.l.) and low efficacy of pyrethroid LLINs in Accra, Ghana

Author: Rebecca Pwalia, Joannitta Joannides, Alidu Iddrisu, Charlotte Addae, Dominic Acquah-Baidoo, Dorothy Obuobi, Godwin Amlalo, Samuel Akporh, Sampson Gbagba, Samuel K. Dadzie, Duncan K. Athinya, Melinda P. Hadi, Helen Pates Jamet, and Joseph Chabi
Subjects: Anopheles gambiae (s.l.), WHO susceptibility test, CDC bottle assay, Intensity assay, Insecticide resistance, Infectious and parasitic diseases, RC109-216
Abstract: Abstract Background Insecticide resistance of Anopheles gambiae (s.l.) against public health insecticides is increasingly reported in Ghana and need to be closely monitored. This study investigated the intensity of insecticide resistance of An. gambiae (s.l.) found in a vegetable growing area in Accra, Ghana, where insecticides, herbicides and fertilizers are massively used for plant protection. The bioefficacy of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) currently distributed in the country was also assessed to delimitate the impact of the insecticide resistance intensity on the effectiveness of those nets. Methods Three- to five-day-old adult mosquitoes that emerged from collected larvae from Opeibea, Accra (Ghana), were assayed using CDC bottle and WHO tube intensity assays against different insecticides. The Vgsc-L1014F and ace-1 mutations within the population were also characterized using PCR methods. Furthermore, cone bioassays against different types of LLINs were conducted to evaluate the extent and impact of the resistance of An. gambiae (s.l.) from Opeibea. Results Anopheles gambiae (s.l.) from Opeibea were resistant to all the insecticides tested with very low mortality observed against organochlorine, carbamates and pyrethroid insecticides using WHO susceptibility tests at diagnostic doses during three consecutive years of monitoring. The average frequencies of Vgsc-1014F and ace-1 in the An. gambiae (s.l.) population tested were 0.99 and 0.76, respectively. The intensity assays using both CDC bottle and WHO tubes showed high resistance intensity to pyrethroids and carbamates with survivals at 10× the diagnostic doses of the insecticides tested. Only pirimiphos methyl recorded a low resistance intensity with 100% mortality at 5× the diagnostic dose. The bioefficacy of pyrethroid LLINs ranged from 2.2 to 16.2% mortality while the PBO LLIN, PermaNet® 3.0, was 73%. Conclusions WHO susceptibility tests using the diagnostic doses described the susceptibility status of the mosquito colony while CDC bottle and WHO tube intensity assays showed varying degrees of resistance intensity. Although both methods are not directly comparable, the indication of the resistance intensity showed the alarming insecticide resistance intensity in Opeibea and its surroundings, which could have an operational impact on the efficacy of vector control tools and particularly on pyrethroid LLINs.
Published: 2019
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19. Periodicities in the Daily Proton Fluxes from 2011 to 2019 Measured by the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station from 1 to 100 GV

Author: M. Aguilar, L. Ali Cavasonza, G. Ambrosi, L. Arruda, N. Attig, F. Barao, L. Barrin, A. Bartoloni, S. Başeğmez-du Pree, R. Battiston, M. Behlmann, B. Beranek, J. Berdugo, B. Bertucci, V. Bindi, K. Bollweg, B. Borgia, M. J. Boschini, M. Bourquin, E. F. Bueno, J. Burger, W. J. Burger, S. Burmeister, X. D. Cai, M. Capell, J. Casaus, G. Castellini, F. Cervelli, Y. H. Chang, G. M. Chen, G. R. Chen, H. S. Chen, Y. Chen, L. Cheng, H. Y. Chou, S. Chouridou, V. Choutko, C. H. Chung, C. Clark, G. Coignet, C. Consolandi, A. Contin, C. Corti, Z. Cui, K. Dadzie, A. Dass, C. Delgado, S. Della Torre, M. B. Demirköz, L. Derome, S. Di Falco, V. Di Felice, C. Díaz, F. Dimiccoli, P. von Doetinchem, F. Dong, F. Donnini, M. Duranti, A. Egorov, A. Eline, J. Feng, E. Fiandrini, P. Fisher, V. Formato, C. Freeman, C. Gámez, R. J. García-López, C. Gargiulo, H. Gast, M. Gervasi, F. Giovacchini, D. M. Gómez-Coral, J. Gong, C. Goy, V. Grabski, D. Grandi, M. Graziani, S. Haino, K. C. Han, R. K. Hashmani, Z. H. He, B. Heber, T. H. Hsieh, J. Y. Hu, M. Incagli, W. Y. Jang, Yi Jia, H. Jinchi, G. Karagöz, B. Khiali, G. N. Kim, Th. Kirn, M. Konyushikhin, O. Kounina, A. Kounine, V. Koutsenko, D. Krasnopevtsev, A. Kuhlman, A. Kulemzin, G. La Vacca, E. Laudi, G. Laurenti, I. Lazzizzera, A. Lebedev, H. T. Lee, S. C. Lee, J. Q. Li, M. Li, Q. Li, S. Li, J. H. Li, Z. H. Li, J. Liang, C. Light, C. H. Lin, T. Lippert, J. H. Liu, Z. Liu, S. Q. Lu, Y. S. Lu, K. Luebelsmeyer, J. Z. Luo, Xi Luo, F. Machate, C. Mañá, J. Marín, J. Marquardt, T. Martin, G. Martínez, N. Masi, D. Maurin, T. Medvedeva, A. Menchaca-Rocha, Q. Meng, V. V. Mikhailov, M. Molero, P. Mott, L. Mussolin, J. Negrete, N. Nikonov, F. Nozzoli, A. Oliva, M. Orcinha, M. Palermo, F. Palmonari, M. Paniccia, A. Pashnin, M. Pauluzzi, S. Pensotti, H. D. Phan, V. Plyaskin, M. Pohl, S. Poluianov, X. Qin, Z. Y. Qu, L. Quadrani, P. G. Rancoita, D. Rapin, A. Reina Conde, E. Robyn, S. Rosier-Lees, A. Rozhkov, D. Rozza, R. Sagdeev, S. Schael, A. Schultz von Dratzig, G. Schwering, E. S. Seo, Z. Shakfa, B. S. Shan, T. Siedenburg, C. Solano, J. W. Song, X. J. Song, R. Sonnabend, L. Strigari, T. Su, Q. Sun, Z. T. Sun, M. Tacconi, X. W. Tang, Z. C. Tang, J. Tian, Samuel C. C. Ting, S. M. Ting, N. Tomassetti, J. Torsti, T. Urban, I. Usoskin, V. Vagelli, R. Vainio, M. Valencia-Otero, E. Valente, E. Valtonen, M. Vázquez Acosta, M. Vecchi, M. Velasco, J. P. Vialle, C. X. Wang, L. Wang, L. Q. Wang, N. H. Wang, Q. L. Wang, S. Wang, X. Wang, Yu Wang, Z. M. Wang, J. Wei, Z. L. Weng, H. Wu, R. Q. Xiong, W. Xu, Q. Yan, Y. Yang, I. I. Yashin, H. Yi, Y. M. Yu, Z. Q. Yu, M. Zannoni, C. Zhang, F. Zhang, F. Z. Zhang, J. H. Zhang, Z. Zhang, F. Zhao, C. Zheng, Z. M. Zheng, H. L. Zhuang, V. Zhukov, A. Zichichi, and P. Zuccon
Published: 2021
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20. First record of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus in Ghana, a potential risk to livestock production

Author: Seth Offei Addo, Ronald Essah Bentil, Bernice Olivia Ama Baako, Charlotte Adwoa Addae, John Asiedu Larbi, Philip Kweku Baidoo, Michael David Wilson, Victor Asoala, Daniel Oduro, Suzanne Mate, Joseph W. Diclaro II, and Samuel K. Dadzie
Subjects: Ecology, Insect Science, General Medicine
Published: 2023
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21. Vitamin D Deficiency Is Common in Ghana despite Abundance of Sunlight: A Multicentre Comparative Cross-Sectional Study

Author: Samuel Asamoah Sakyi, Maxwell Hubert Antwi, Linda Ahenkorah Fondjo, Edwin Ferguson Laing, Richard K. Dadzie Ephraim, Alexander Kwarteng, Benjamin Amoani, Seth Christopher Appiah, Bright Oppong Afranie, Stephen Opoku, and Tonnies Abeku Buckman
Subjects: Nutritional diseases. Deficiency diseases, RC620-627
Abstract: Background. Vitamin D is a steroid hormone important for the normal functioning of the body. It is produced through skin exposure to sunlight and from the diet. Although Ghana is located in the tropics where sunlight is abundant, factors like culture, diet, skin pigmentation, variation in the ozone layer, and geographical area influence the optimization of vitamin D concentration. It is imperative to evaluate the interplay between sunshine exposure, proinflammatory cytokines, and mediators of vitamin D metabolism and their relationship to vitamin D status in three geographical sections among apparent healthy Ghanaians. Methods and Results. In a cross-sectional study, a total of five hundred (500) healthy blood donors from three geographical areas in Ghana were enrolled. Their age ranged from 17 to 55 years with a mean age of 27.97 ± 8.87 years. The overall prevalence rate of vitamin D deficiency was 43.6% (218/500), with 41.2% (91/221), 45.3% (63/139), and 45.7% (64/140) of vitamin D deficiency being recorded in participants from the Northern Sector (NS), Middle Belt (MB), and Southern Sector (SS), respectively. However, there were no significant differences in the proportions of vitamin D deficiency across various geographical sectors. The median 25-hydroxyvitamin D serum levels were compared among geographical areas (NS, MB, and SS) and there were no significant differences (P=0.275) after adjusting for confounding factors. 25-Hydroxyvitamin D correlated positively with corrected ionized calcium (rs = 0.622, P≤0.001) and phosphorus (rs = 0.299, P≤0.001) and negatively correlated with SBP (rs = −0.092, P=0.039), vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) (rs = −0.421, P≤0.001), intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) (rs = −0.0568, rs ≤ 0.001), IFN-gamma (rs = −0.684, P≤0.001), and TNF-alpha (rs = −0.600, P≤0.001). After adjusting for possible confounders, not having knowledge about vitamin D foods, taking fewer vitamin D foods, and higher levels of IF-γ and IL-10 were associated with a higher risk of having vitamin D deficiency. Conclusion. The prevalence of 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency is high among the general adult population in Ghana despite the abundance of sunlight. Increasing knowledge on vitamin D diet coupled with a daily intake of vitamin D dietary supplements is likely to reduce the risk of developing 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency.
Published: 2021
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22. Properties of a New Group of Cosmic Nuclei: Results from the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on Sodium, Aluminum, and Nitrogen

Author: M. Aguilar, L. Ali Cavasonza, B. Alpat, G. Ambrosi, L. Arruda, N. Attig, F. Barao, L. Barrin, A. Bartoloni, S. Başeğmez-du Pree, R. Battiston, M. Behlmann, B. Beranek, J. Berdugo, B. Bertucci, V. Bindi, K. Bollweg, B. Borgia, M. J. Boschini, M. Bourquin, E. F. Bueno, J. Burger, W. J. Burger, S. Burmeister, X. D. Cai, M. Capell, J. Casaus, G. Castellini, F. Cervelli, Y. H. Chang, G. M. Chen, G. R. Chen, H. S. Chen, Y. Chen, L. Cheng, H. Y. Chou, S. Chouridou, V. Choutko, C. H. Chung, C. Clark, G. Coignet, C. Consolandi, A. Contin, C. Corti, Z. Cui, K. Dadzie, C. Delgado, S. Della Torre, M. B. Demirköz, L. Derome, S. Di Falco, V. Di Felice, C. Díaz, F. Dimiccoli, P. von Doetinchem, F. Dong, F. Donnini, M. Duranti, A. Egorov, A. Eline, J. Feng, E. Fiandrini, P. Fisher, V. Formato, C. Freeman, C. Gámez, R. J. García-López, C. Gargiulo, H. Gast, M. Gervasi, F. Giovacchini, D. M. Gómez-Coral, J. Gong, C. Goy, V. Grabski, D. Grandi, M. Graziani, S. Haino, K. C. Han, R. K. Hashmani, Z. H. He, B. Heber, T. H. Hsieh, J. Y. Hu, M. Incagli, W. Y. Jang, Yi Jia, H. Jinchi, B. Khiali, G. N. Kim, Th. Kirn, M. Konyushikhin, O. Kounina, A. Kounine, V. Koutsenko, D. Krasnopevtsev, A. Kuhlman, A. Kulemzin, G. La Vacca, E. Laudi, G. Laurenti, I. Lazzizzera, A. Lebedev, H. T. Lee, S. C. Lee, J. Q. Li, M. Li, Q. Li, S. Li, J. H. Li, Z. H. Li, J. Liang, C. Light, C. H. Lin, T. Lippert, J. H. Liu, Z. Liu, S. Q. Lu, Y. S. Lu, K. Luebelsmeyer, J. Z. Luo, Xi Luo, F. Machate, C. Mañá, J. Marín, J. Marquardt, T. Martin, G. Martínez, N. Masi, D. Maurin, T. Medvedeva, A. Menchaca-Rocha, Q. Meng, V. V. Mikhailov, M. Molero, P. Mott, L. Mussolin, J. Negrete, N. Nikonov, F. Nozzoli, A. Oliva, M. Orcinha, M. Palermo, F. Palmonari, M. Paniccia, A. Pashnin, M. Pauluzzi, S. Pensotti, H. D. Phan, V. Plyaskin, M. Pohl, S. Poluianov, X. Qin, Z. Y. Qu, L. Quadrani, P. G. Rancoita, D. Rapin, A. Reina Conde, E. Robyn, S. Rosier-Lees, A. Rozhkov, D. Rozza, R. Sagdeev, S. Schael, A. Schulz von Dratzig, G. Schwering, E. S. Seo, Z. Shakfa, B. S. Shan, T. Siedenburg, C. Solano, J. W. Song, X. J. Song, R. Sonnabend, L. Strigari, T. Su, Q. Sun, Z. T. Sun, M. Tacconi, X. W. Tang, Z. C. Tang, J. Tian, Samuel C. C. Ting, S. M. Ting, N. Tomassetti, J. Torsti, C. Tüysüz, T. Urban, I. Usoskin, V. Vagelli, R. Vainio, M. Valencia-Otero, E. Valente, E. Valtonen, M. Vázquez Acosta, M. Vecchi, M. Velasco, J. P. Vialle, C. X. Wang, L. Wang, L. Q. Wang, N. H. Wang, Q. L. Wang, S. Wang, X. Wang, Yu Wang, Z. M. Wang, J. Wei, Z. L. Weng, H. Wu, R. Q. Xiong, W. Xu, Q. Yan, Y. Yang, I. I. Yashin, H. Yi, Y. M. Yu, Z. Q. Yu, M. Zannoni, C. Zhang, F. Zhang, F. Z. Zhang, J. H. Zhang, Z. Zhang, F. Zhao, C. Zheng, Z. M. Zheng, H. L. Zhuang, V. Zhukov, A. Zichichi, and P. Zuccon
Published: 2021
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23. Properties of Heavy Secondary Fluorine Cosmic Rays: Results from the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer

Author: M. Aguilar, L. Ali Cavasonza, M. S. Allen, B. Alpat, G. Ambrosi, L. Arruda, N. Attig, F. Barao, L. Barrin, A. Bartoloni, S. Başeğmez-du Pree, R. Battiston, M. Behlmann, B. Beranek, J. Berdugo, B. Bertucci, V. Bindi, K. Bollweg, B. Borgia, M. J. Boschini, M. Bourquin, E. F. Bueno, J. Burger, W. J. Burger, S. Burmeister, X. D. Cai, M. Capell, J. Casaus, G. Castellini, F. Cervelli, Y. H. Chang, G. M. Chen, G. R. Chen, H. S. Chen, Y. Chen, L. Cheng, H. Y. Chou, S. Chouridou, V. Choutko, C. H. Chung, C. Clark, G. Coignet, C. Consolandi, A. Contin, C. Corti, Z. Cui, K. Dadzie, C. Delgado, S. Della Torre, M. B. Demirköz, L. Derome, S. Di Falco, V. Di Felice, C. Díaz, F. Dimiccoli, P. von Doetinchem, F. Dong, F. Donnini, M. Duranti, A. Egorov, A. Eline, J. Feng, E. Fiandrini, P. Fisher, V. Formato, C. Freeman, Y. Galaktionov, C. Gámez, R. J. García-López, C. Gargiulo, H. Gast, M. Gervasi, F. Giovacchini, D. M. Gómez-Coral, J. Gong, C. Goy, V. Grabski, D. Grandi, M. Graziani, S. Haino, K. C. Han, R. K. Hashmani, Z. H. He, B. Heber, T. H. Hsieh, J. Y. Hu, M. Incagli, W. Y. Jang, Yi Jia, H. Jinchi, K. Kanishev, B. Khiali, G. N. Kim, Th. Kirn, M. Konyushikhin, O. Kounina, A. Kounine, V. Koutsenko, A. Kuhlman, A. Kulemzin, G. La Vacca, E. Laudi, G. Laurenti, I. Lazzizzera, A. Lebedev, H. T. Lee, S. C. Lee, J. Q. Li, M. Li, Q. Li, S. Li, J. H. Li, Z. H. Li, J. Liang, C. Light, C. H. Lin, T. Lippert, J. H. Liu, Z. Liu, S. Q. Lu, Y. S. Lu, K. Luebelsmeyer, J. Z. Luo, Xi Luo, S. S. Lyu, F. Machate, C. Mañá, J. Marín, J. Marquardt, T. Martin, G. Martínez, N. Masi, D. Maurin, A. Menchaca-Rocha, Q. Meng, V. V. Mikhailov, D. C. Mo, M. Molero, P. Mott, L. Mussolin, J. Negrete, N. Nikonov, F. Nozzoli, A. Oliva, M. Orcinha, M. Palermo, F. Palmonari, M. Paniccia, A. Pashnin, M. Pauluzzi, S. Pensotti, H. D. Phan, R. Piandani, V. Plyaskin, S. Poluianov, X. Qin, Z. Y. Qu, L. Quadrani, P. G. Rancoita, D. Rapin, A. Reina Conde, E. Robyn, S. Rosier-Lees, A. Rozhkov, D. Rozza, R. Sagdeev, S. Schael, A. Schulz von Dratzig, G. Schwering, E. S. Seo, Z. Shakfa, B. S. Shan, T. Siedenburg, C. Solano, J. W. Song, X. J. Song, R. Sonnabend, L. Strigari, T. Su, Q. Sun, Z. T. Sun, M. Tacconi, X. W. Tang, Z. C. Tang, J. Tian, Samuel C. C. Ting, S. M. Ting, N. Tomassetti, J. Torsti, C. Tüysüz, T. Urban, I. Usoskin, V. Vagelli, R. Vainio, M. Valencia-Otero, E. Valente, E. Valtonen, M. Vázquez Acosta, M. Vecchi, M. Velasco, J. P. Vialle, C. X. Wang, L. Wang, L. Q. Wang, N. H. Wang, Q. L. Wang, S. Wang, X. Wang, Yu Wang, Z. M. Wang, J. Wei, Z. L. Weng, H. Wu, R. Q. Xiong, W. Xu, Q. Yan, Y. Yang, I. I. Yashin, H. Yi, Y. M. Yu, Z. Q. Yu, M. Zannoni, C. Zhang, F. Zhang, F. Z. Zhang, J. H. Zhang, Z. Zhang, F. Zhao, C. Zheng, Z. M. Zheng, H. L. Zhuang, V. Zhukov, A. Zichichi, and P. Zuccon
Published: 2021
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24. Properties of Iron Primary Cosmic Rays: Results from the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer

Author: M. Aguilar, L. Ali Cavasonza, M. S. Allen, B. Alpat, G. Ambrosi, L. Arruda, N. Attig, F. Barao, L. Barrin, A. Bartoloni, S. Başeğmez-du Pree, R. Battiston, M. Behlmann, B. Beischer, J. Berdugo, B. Bertucci, V. Bindi, W. de Boer, K. Bollweg, B. Borgia, M. J. Boschini, M. Bourquin, E. F. Bueno, J. Burger, W. J. Burger, S. Burmeister, X. D. Cai, M. Capell, J. Casaus, G. Castellini, F. Cervelli, Y. H. Chang, G. M. Chen, G. R. Chen, H. S. Chen, Y. Chen, L. Cheng, H. Y. Chou, S. Chouridou, V. Choutko, C. H. Chung, C. Clark, G. Coignet, C. Consolandi, A. Contin, C. Corti, Z. Cui, K. Dadzie, C. Delgado, S. Della Torre, M. B. Demirköz, L. Derome, S. Di Falco, V. Di Felice, C. Díaz, F. Dimiccoli, P. von Doetinchem, F. Dong, F. Donnini, M. Duranti, A. Egorov, A. Eline, J. Feng, E. Fiandrini, P. Fisher, V. Formato, C. Freeman, Y. Galaktionov, C. Gámez, R. J. García-López, C. Gargiulo, H. Gast, M. Gervasi, F. Giovacchini, D. M. Gómez-Coral, J. Gong, C. Goy, V. Grabski, D. Grandi, M. Graziani, S. Haino, K. C. Han, R. K. Hashmani, Z. H. He, B. Heber, T. H. Hsieh, J. Y. Hu, M. Incagli, W. Y. Jang, Yi Jia, H. Jinchi, K. Kanishev, B. Khiali, G. N. Kim, Th. Kirn, M. Konyushikhin, O. Kounina, A. Kounine, V. Koutsenko, A. Kuhlman, A. Kulemzin, G. La Vacca, E. Laudi, G. Laurenti, I. Lazzizzera, A. Lebedev, H. T. Lee, S. C. Lee, J. Q. Li, M. Li, Q. Li, S. Li, J. H. Li, Z. H. Li, J. Liang, C. Light, C. H. Lin, T. Lippert, J. H. Liu, Z. Liu, S. Q. Lu, Y. S. Lu, K. Luebelsmeyer, J. Z. Luo, Xi Luo, S. S. Lyu, F. Machate, C. Mañá, J. Marín, J. Marquardt, T. Martin, G. Martínez, N. Masi, D. Maurin, A. Menchaca-Rocha, Q. Meng, V. V. Mikhailov, D. C. Mo, M. Molero, P. Mott, L. Mussolin, J. Negrete, N. Nikonov, F. Nozzoli, A. Oliva, M. Orcinha, M. Palermo, F. Palmonari, M. Paniccia, A. Pashnin, M. Pauluzzi, S. Pensotti, H. D. Phan, R. Piandani, V. Plyaskin, S. Poluianov, X. Qin, Z. Y. Qu, L. Quadrani, P. G. Rancoita, D. Rapin, A. Reina Conde, E. Robyn, S. Rosier-Lees, A. Rozhkov, D. Rozza, R. Sagdeev, S. Schael, A. Schulz von Dratzig, G. Schwering, E. S. Seo, Z. Shakfa, B. S. Shan, T. Siedenburg, C. Solano, J. W. Song, X. J. Song, R. Sonnabend, L. Strigari, T. Su, Q. Sun, Z. T. Sun, M. Tacconi, X. W. Tang, Z. C. Tang, J. Tian, Samuel C. C. Ting, S. M. Ting, N. Tomassetti, J. Torsti, C. Tüysüz, T. Urban, I. Usoskin, V. Vagelli, R. Vainio, M. Valencia-Otero, E. Valente, E. Valtonen, M. Vázquez Acosta, M. Vecchi, M. Velasco, J. P. Vialle, C. X. Wang, L. Wang, L. Q. Wang, N. H. Wang, Q. L. Wang, S. Wang, X. Wang, Yu Wang, Z. M. Wang, J. Wei, Z. L. Weng, H. Wu, R. Q. Xiong, W. Xu, Q. Yan, Y. Yang, I. I. Yashin, H. Yi, Y. M. Yu, Z. Q. Yu, M. Zannoni, C. Zhang, F. Zhang, F. Z. Zhang, J. H. Zhang, Z. Zhang, F. Zhao, C. Zheng, Z. M. Zheng, H. L. Zhuang, V. Zhukov, A. Zichichi, N. Zimmermann, and P. Zuccon
Published: 2021
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25. Properties of Neon, Magnesium, and Silicon Primary Cosmic Rays Results from the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer

Author: M. Aguilar, L. Ali Cavasonza, G. Ambrosi, L. Arruda, N. Attig, F. Barao, L. Barrin, A. Bartoloni, S. Başeğmez-du Pree, R. Battiston, U. Becker, M. Behlmann, B. Beischer, J. Berdugo, B. Bertucci, V. Bindi, W. de Boer, K. Bollweg, B. Borgia, M. J. Boschini, M. Bourquin, E. F. Bueno, J. Burger, W. J. Burger, S. Burmeister, X. D. Cai, M. Capell, J. Casaus, G. Castellini, F. Cervelli, Y. H. Chang, G. M. Chen, H. S. Chen, Y. Chen, L. Cheng, H. Y. Chou, S. Chouridou, V. Choutko, C. H. Chung, C. Clark, G. Coignet, C. Consolandi, A. Contin, C. Corti, Z. Cui, K. Dadzie, Y. M. Dai, C. Delgado, S. Della Torre, M. B. Demirköz, L. Derome, S. Di Falco, V. Di Felice, C. Díaz, F. Dimiccoli, P. von Doetinchem, F. Dong, F. Donnini, M. Duranti, A. Egorov, A. Eline, J. Feng, E. Fiandrini, P. Fisher, V. Formato, C. Freeman, Y. Galaktionov, C. Gámez, R. J. García-López, C. Gargiulo, H. Gast, I. Gebauer, M. Gervasi, F. Giovacchini, D. M. Gómez-Coral, J. Gong, C. Goy, V. Grabski, D. Grandi, M. Graziani, K. H. Guo, S. Haino, K. C. Han, R. K. Hashmani, Z. H. He, B. Heber, T. H. Hsieh, J. Y. Hu, Z. C. Huang, M. Incagli, W. Y. Jang, Yi Jia, H. Jinchi, K. Kanishev, B. Khiali, G. N. Kim, Th. Kirn, M. Konyushikhin, O. Kounina, A. Kounine, V. Koutsenko, A. Kuhlman, A. Kulemzin, G. La Vacca, E. Laudi, G. Laurenti, I. Lazzizzera, A. Lebedev, H. T. Lee, S. C. Lee, J. Q. Li, M. Li, Q. Li, S. Li, T. X. Li, Z. H. Li, C. Light, C. H. Lin, T. Lippert, Z. Liu, S. Q. Lu, Y. S. Lu, K. Luebelsmeyer, J. Z. Luo, S. S. Lyu, F. Machate, C. Mañá, J. Marín, J. Marquardt, T. Martin, G. Martínez, N. Masi, D. Maurin, A. Menchaca-Rocha, Q. Meng, D. C. Mo, M. Molero, P. Mott, L. Mussolin, J. Q. Ni, N. Nikonov, F. Nozzoli, A. Oliva, M. Orcinha, M. Palermo, F. Palmonari, M. Paniccia, A. Pashnin, M. Pauluzzi, S. Pensotti, H. D. Phan, R. Piandani, V. Plyaskin, S. Poluianov, X. M. Qi, X. Qin, Z. Y. Qu, L. Quadrani, P. G. Rancoita, D. Rapin, A. Reina Conde, S. Rosier-Lees, A. Rozhkov, D. Rozza, R. Sagdeev, S. Schael, S. M. Schmidt, A. Schulz von Dratzig, G. Schwering, E. S. Seo, B. S. Shan, J. Y. Shi, T. Siedenburg, C. Solano, R. Sonnabend, J. W. Song, Q. Sun, Z. T. Sun, M. Tacconi, X. W. Tang, Z. C. Tang, J. Tian, Samuel C. C. Ting, S. M. Ting, N. Tomassetti, J. Torsti, C. Tüysüz, T. Urban, I. Usoskin, V. Vagelli, R. Vainio, E. Valente, E. Valtonen, M. Vázquez Acosta, M. Vecchi, M. Velasco, J. P. Vialle, C. Wallmann, L. Q. Wang, N. H. Wang, Q. L. Wang, S. Wang, X. Wang, Z. X. Wang, J. Wei, Z. L. Weng, H. Wu, R. Q. Xiong, W. Xu, Q. Yan, Y. Yang, H. Yi, Y. J. Yu, Z. Q. Yu, M. Zannoni, C. Zhang, F. Zhang, F. Z. Zhang, J. H. Zhang, Z. Zhang, F. Zhao, Z. M. Zheng, H. L. Zhuang, V. Zhukov, A. Zichichi, N. Zimmermann, and P. Zuccon
Published: 2020
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26. A reduction in malaria transmission intensity in Northern Ghana after 7 years of indoor residual spraying

Author: Sylvester Coleman, Samuel K. Dadzie, Aklilu Seyoum, Yemane Yihdego, Peter Mumba, Dereje Dengela, Philip Ricks, Kristen George, Christen Fornadel, Daniel Szumlas, Paul Psychas, Jacob Williams, Maxwell A. Appawu, and Daniel A. Boakye
Subjects: Indoor residual spraying, Malaria transmission indicators, Parity rates, Entomological inoculation rate, Northern Ghana, Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine, RC955-962, Infectious and parasitic diseases, RC109-216
Abstract: Abstract Background Indoor residual spraying (IRS) is being implemented as one of the malaria prevention methods in the Northern Region of Ghana. Changes in longevity, sporozoite and entomological inoculation rates (EIRs) of major malaria vectors were monitored to assess the impact of IRS in selected districts. Methods Monthly human landing catches (HLCs) were used to collect mosquitoes from sentinel sites in three adjacent districts between July 2009 and December 2014: Savelugu Nanton (SND) where IRS had been implemented from 2008 to 2014; Tolon Kumbungu (TKD) where IRS had been implemented between 2008 and 2012 and Tamale Metropolis (TML) with no history of IRS. Mosquitoes were morphologically identified to species level and into sibling species, using PCR. Samples of Anopheles gambiae sensu lato (s.l.) were examined for parity and infectivity. EIR was calculated from biting and infectivity rates of malaria vectors. Results Parity rates of An. gambiae s.l. decreased significantly (p
Published: 2017
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27. Evaluation of piperonyl butoxide in enhancing the efficacy of pyrethroid insecticides against resistant Anopheles gambiae s.l. in Ghana

Author: Samuel K. Dadzie, Joseph Chabi, Andy Asafu-Adjaye, Otubea Owusu-Akrofi, Aba Baffoe-Wilmot, Keziah Malm, Constance Bart-Plange, Sylvester Coleman, Maxwell A. Appawu, and Daniel A. Boakye
Subjects: Pyrethroids, Piperonyl butoxide, Anopheles gambiae, Insecticide resistance, Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine, RC955-962, Infectious and parasitic diseases, RC109-216
Abstract: Abstract Background Malaria vector control methods involving the use of pyrethroids remain the strategies being used against malaria vectors in Ghana. These methods include the use of long-lasting insecticidal nets and indoor residual spraying in many areas in Ghana. However, there is evidence that pyrethroid resistance is widespread in many areas in Ghana. Synergists have been shown to be useful in inhibiting the enzymes that are responsible for the development of resistance and hence enhance the insecticide susceptibility of Anopheles gambiae sensu lato (s.l.) in many areas. The present study investigated the effect of piperonyl butoxide (PBO) on the susceptibility status of An. gambiae s.l. across some sentinel sites in Ghana. Methods Three to five day old An. gambiae s.l. reared from larvae were used in WHO susceptibility tube assays. Batches of 20–25 female adult An. gambiae s.l. were exposed simultaneously to the insecticide alone and to the PBO + insecticide. The knock down rate after 60 min and mortality at 24 h were recorded. Results Deltamethrin and permethrin resistance of An. gambiae s.l. was observed in all the sites in 2015 and 2016. The mortality after 24 h post exposure for deltamethrin ranged from 16.3% in Weija to 82.3% in Kade, whereas that for permethrin ranged from 3.8% in Gomoa Obuasi to 91.3% in Prestea. A significant increase in susceptibility to deltamethrin and less to permethrin was observed during both 2015 and 2016 years in most of the sites when An. gambiae s.l. mosquitoes were pre-exposed to PBO. Conclusion Findings from this study showed that the use of PBO significantly enhanced the susceptibility of An. gambiae s.l. mosquitoes in most of the sentinel sites. It is recommended that vector control strategies incorporating PBO as a synergist can be effective in killing mosquitoes in the presence of deltamethrin and permethrin resistance.
Published: 2017
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28. Evidence of High Frequencies of Insecticide Resistance Mutations in Aedes aegypti (Culicidae) Mosquitoes in Urban Accra, Ghana: Implications for Insecticide-based Vector Control of Aedes-borne Arboviral Diseases

Author: Godwin Kwame Amlalo, Jewelna Akorli, Nukunu Etornam Akyea-Bobi, Samuel Sowa Akporh, Dominic Aqua-Baidoo, Millicent Opoku, Kwadwo Frempong, Sellase Pi-Bansa, Helena A Boakye, Joannitta Joannides, Joseph Harold Nyarko Osei, Rebecca Pwalia, Esinam Abla Akorli, Alexander Manu, and Samuel K Dadzie
Subjects: Insecticides, General Veterinary, Zika Virus Infection, Fenitrothion, Mosquito Vectors, Zika Virus, Ghana, Insecticide Resistance, Infectious Diseases, Aedes, Insect Science, Pyrethrins, Mutation, Animals, Parasitology, Permethrin
Abstract: The most widespread arboviral diseases such as Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika are transmitted mainly by Aedes mosquitoes. Due to the lack of effective therapeutics for most of these diseases, vector control remains the most effective preventative and control measure. This study investigated and compared the species composition, insecticide susceptibility, and resistance mechanisms in Aedes mosquito populations from a forest reserve converted to an eco-park and a peri-domestic sites in urban Accra, Ghana. Immature Aedes were sampled from the study sites, raised to adults, and exposed to deltamethrin, permethrin, DDT, fenitrothion, bendiocarb, permethrin + PBO, and deltamethrin + PBO using WHO tube assays. Melting curve analyses were performed for F1536C, V1016I, and V410L genetic mutations in surviving and dead mosquitoes following exposure to deltamethrin and permethrin. Microplate assay was used to access enzyme activity levels in adult mosquitoes from both populations. Aedes aegypti was found to be the dominant species from both study populations. The susceptibility test results revealed a high frequency of resistance to all the insecticides except fenitrothion. F1534C mutations were observed in 100% and 97% of mosquitoes from the peri-domestic and forest population, respectively but were associated with pyrethroid resistance only in the forest population (P < 0.0001). For the first time in Aedes mosquitoes in Ghana, we report the existence V410L mutations, mostly under selection only in the forest population (HWE P < 0.0001) and conclude that Aedes vectors in urban Accra have developed resistance to many commonly used insecticides. This information is important for the formulation of vector control strategies for Aedes control in Ghana.
Published: 2022
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29. Deep learning for artery–vein classification in optical coherence tomography angiography

Author: Le, David, primary, Abtahi, Mansour, additional, Adejumo, Tobiloba, additional, Ebrahimi, Behrouz, additional, K Dadzie, Albert, additional, Son, Taeyoon, additional, and Yao, Xincheng, additional
Published: 2023
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30. Impact of Serum Prolactin and Testosterone Levels on the Clinical Parameters of Dry Eye in Pregnant Women

Author: Samuel Kyei, Richard K. Dadzie Ephraim, Stephen Animful, Madison Adanusa, Stephen Karim Ali-Baya, Belinda Akorsah, Mabel Antwiwaa Sekyere, and Kofi Asiedu
Subjects: Ophthalmology, RE1-994
Abstract: Purpose. To explore the relationship between serum prolactin, testosterone level, and tear film parameters. The potential impact of these hormones on the health of the ocular surface in pregnant women was evaluated. Methods. This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study in which ocular symptoms (Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI)), tear function (fluorescein tear breakup time, Schirmer’s test 1), corneal and conjunctival staining, meibomian gland (MG) expressibility, and quality of secretion were measured. Lid margin findings including lid notching, thickness, and lid margin telangiectasia were also recorded. Venous blood was collected and the serum concentrations of prolactin and testosterone were determined using ELISA kits. Correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were used to examine predictors of dry eye symptoms and signs. Results. A total of 160 pregnant women participated in the study and their mean age was 30.1 ± 4.6 years (range 18–42 years). The correlation analysis indicated that testosterone concentration did not significantly correlate with any of the clinical parameters hence it was not included in the linear regression analysis. However, prolactin serum concentration correlated significantly with Schirmer’s test 1. Multiple linear regression was done to predict participants’ Schirmer’s test 1 score based upon their ocular surface staining score (oxford grading scale), meibomian gland expressibility, meibomian secretion quality, and serum concentration of prolactin. Only predictors that significantly correlated with Schirmer’s test 1 in the correlation analysis were included in the linear regression analysis. A significant regression equation was obtained (F (2, 157) = 5.119, p=0.007) with an R square of 0.05. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that concentration of prolactin (ß coefficient = 0.032, p=0.044) and meibomian gland expressibility scores (ß coefficient = 2.14, p=0.016) were associated with Schirmer’s test 1 scores when adjusted for duration of pregnancy. Conclusion. The study showed that increased serum prolactin levels have a weak but positive impact on Schirmer’s test 1 scores whilst serum testosterone level has no association with the clinical parameters of dry eye in pregnant women.
Published: 2020
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31. Persistent exposure to wood smoke is associated with variations in biochemical and hematological indices among regular wood burners in the Cape Coast metropolis, Ghana

Author: Emmanuel K. Dadzie, Richard K.D. Ephraim, Justice Afrifa, Richard Quaicoe, Benjamin S. Bediako, Benedict I. Duku, Townshed Adjetey, and Isaac Dadzie
Subjects: Science
Abstract: Background: Acute and chronic exposure to wood smoke is associated with adverse health effects. This study investigated the potential effect of persistent exposure to woodsmoke on hematological and biochemical indices among regular wood burners in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana. Methodology: A total of 101 consenting participants were recruited into the study. Serum lipids (total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein and non-HDL), renal function (urea, creatinine), liver enzymes (AST and ALT) were measured using an automated analyzer. The full blood count of participants was also measured with an FBC automated analyzer. Demographic and lifestyle data of the participants were obtained with the help of questionnaires. Results: Individuals exposed to wood smoke were older (47.21±1.583), smoked fish [36(47.4%)] and were predominantly females. Female preponderance [75(98.7%), P = 0.046], low haemoglobin (HGB) [OR= 6.553 (95%CI=1.431 to 30.01), P = 0.0094], low MCV [OR=12.43(95%CI=0.7133 to 216.5), P = 0.018], low MCH [OR=4.145(95%CI=1.284 to 13.38), P = 0.0151], low MCHC [OR=9.844(95%CI=3.029 to 31.99), P
Published: 2019
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32. Thyroid dysfunction and glycaemic control among Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in Ghana: A comparative cross‐sectional study.

Author: Sakyi, Samuel Asamoah, Ameyaw, Bright, Laing, Edwin Ferguson, Anthony, Richard, Ephraim, Richard K. Dadzie, Effah, Alfred, Kwayie, Afia Agyapomaa, Senu, Ebenezer, Anto, Enoch Odame, Acheampong, Emmanuel, Afranie, Bright Oppong, Amoani, Benjamin, and Opoku, Stephen
Subjects: TYPE 2 diabetes, GLYCEMIC control, THYROID diseases, THYROID gland function tests, PEOPLE with diabetes, PITUITARY dwarfism, THYROTROPIN receptors, DIABETES
Abstract: Introduction: Thyroid disorders and diabetes mellitus coexist and are prevalent endocrinopathies among adult population. Thyroid dysfunction contributes to metabolic imbalances, increase beta‐cell apoptosis and glucose intolerance. There is paucity of data and contradicting findings on how thyroid dysfunction influence glycaemic control. Therefore, we evaluated thyroid dysfunction and glycaemic control among Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients in Ghana. Methods: A comparative cross‐sectional study was conducted among 192 T2DM patients from Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital. Three consecutive monthly fasting plasma glucose (FBG) and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) were analysed and the results were classified as, moderate hyperglycaemia (MH) (FBG = 6.1–12.0 mmol/L, HbA1c < 7%), severe hyperglycaemia (SH) (FBG ≥ 12.1 mmol/L, HbA1c > 7%) and good glycaemic controls (GC) (FBG = 4.1–6.0 mmol/L, HbA1c < 7%). Thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT3) and free thyroxine (FT4), body mass index (BMI) and other clinical parameters were measured. Data analysis was done using R language version 4.0.2 and p <.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: There were no significant differences in age (years) between patients in the various glycaemic groups (p =.9053). The overall prevalence of thyroid disorders was 7.8% among T2DM patients. The prevalence of thyroid disorders was higher in patients with SH (11.7%) followed by those with MH (7.5%) and then those with GC (5.4%). Serum levels of TSH and FT3/FT4 ratio were significantly lower in T2DM patients with SH compared to those with MH and the GC (p <.0001). However, FT4 was significantly higher in SH patients compared to the good glycaemic controls (p <.01). The first tertiles of TSH [aOR = 10.51, 95% CI (4.04–17.36), p <.0001] and FT3 [aOR = 2.77, 95% CI (1.11–6.92), p =.0290] were significantly and independently associated with increased odds of hyperglycaemia. Conclusion: The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction is high in T2DM and increases with hyperglycaemia. Reduced TSH and T3 may worsen glycaemic control. Periodic monitoring of thyroid function should be incorporated into management guidelines among T2DM patients in Ghana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Published: 2023
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33. Effects of Elevated Temperatures on the Growth and Development of Adult Anopheles gambiae (s.l.) (Diptera: Culicidae) Mosquitoes

Author: Thomas P Agyekum, John Arko-Mensah, Paul K Botwe, Jonathan N Hogarh, Ibrahim Issah, Duah Dwomoh, Maxwell K Billah, Samuel K Dadzie, Thomas G Robins, and Julius N Fobil
Subjects: Vector-Borne Diseases, Surveillance, Prevention, Infectious Diseases, General Veterinary, Insect Science, Anopheles, Guinea Pigs, Longevity, parasitic diseases, Temperature, Animals, Body Size, Parasitology, Malaria
Abstract: Higher temperatures expected in a future warmer climate could adversely affect the growth and development of mosquitoes. This study investigated the effects of elevated temperatures on longevity, gonotrophic cycle length, biting rate, fecundity, and body size of Anopheles gambiae (s.l.) (Diptera: Culicidae) mosquitoes. Anopheles gambiae (s.l.) eggs obtained from laboratory established colonies were reared under eight temperature regimes (25, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, and 40°C), and 80 ± 10% RH. All adults were allowed to feed on a 10% sugar solution soaked in cotton wool; however, some mosquitoes were provided blood meal using guinea pig. Longevity was estimated for both blood-fed and non-blood-fed mosquitoes and analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. One-way ANOVA was used to test the effect of temperature on gonotrophic cycle length, biting rate, and fecundity. Adult measurement data were log-transformed and analyzed using ordinary least square regression with robust standard errors. Increasing temperature significantly decreased the longevity of both blood-fed (Log-rank test; X2(4) = 904.15, P < 0.001) and non-blood-fed (Log-rank test; X2(4) = 1163.60, P < 0.001) mosquitoes. In addition, the fecundity of mosquitoes decreased significantly (ANOVA; F(2,57) = 3.46, P = 0.038) with an increase in temperature. Body size (β = 0.14, 95% CI, 0.16, 0.12, P < 0.001) and proboscis length (β = 0.13, 95% CI, 0.17, 0.09, P < 0.001) significantly decreased with increasing temperature from 25 to 34°C. Increased temperatures expected in a future warmer climate could cause some unexpected effects on mosquitoes by directly influencing population dynamics and malaria transmission.
Published: 2022
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34. Effects of elevated temperatures on the development of immature stages of Anopheles gambiae (s.l.) mosquitoes

Author: Thomas P, Agyekum, John, Arko-Mensah, Paul K, Botwe, Jonathan N, Hogarh, Ibrahim, Issah, Duah, Dwomoh, Maxwell K, Billah, Samuel K, Dadzie, Thomas G, Robins, and Julius N, Fobil
Subjects: Male, Infectious Diseases, Larva, Anopheles, Temperature, Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health, Animals, Humans, Female, Parasitology, Mosquito Vectors, Disease Vectors
Abstract: This study investigated the effects of temperature on the development of the immature stages of Anopheles gambiae (s.l.) mosquitoes.Mosquito eggs were obtained from laboratory established colonies and reared under eight temperature regimes (25, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38 and 40°C), and 80 ± 10% relative humidity. Larvae were checked daily for development to the next stage and for mortality. Pupation success, number of adults produced and sex ratio of the newly emerged adults were recorded. Larval survival was monitored every 24 h, and data were analysed using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Analysis of variance was used where data followed normal distribution, and a Kruskal-Wallis test where data were not normally distributed. Larval and pupal measurements were log-transformed and analysed using ordinary least square regression with robust standard errors.Increasing the temperature from 25 to 36°C decreased the development time by 10.57 days. Larval survival (XIncreased temperature affected different developmental stages in the life cycle of An. gambiae (s.l.) mosquitoes, from larval to adult emergence. This study contributes to the knowledge on the relationship between temperature and Anopheles mosquitoes and provides useful information for modelling vector population dynamics in the light of climate change.
Published: 2022
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35. Molecular survey of Anaplasma and Ehrlichia species in livestock ticks from Kassena-Nankana, Ghana; with a first report of Anaplasma capra and Ehrlichia minasensis

Author: Seth Offei Addo, Bernice Olivia Ama Baako, Ronald Essah Bentil, Charlotte Adwoa Addae, Eric Behene, Victor Asoala, Mohamed Sallam, Suzanne Mate, James C. Dunford, John Asiedu Larbi, Philip Kweku Baidoo, Michael David Wilson, Joseph W. Diclaro, and Samuel K. Dadzie
Subjects: Genetics, General Medicine, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology
Published: 2023
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36. Properties of Cosmic Helium Isotopes Measured by the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer

Author: M. Aguilar, L. Ali Cavasonza, G. Ambrosi, L. Arruda, N. Attig, A. Bachlechner, F. Barao, A. Barrau, L. Barrin, A. Bartoloni, S. Başeğmez-du Pree, R. Battiston, U. Becker, M. Behlmann, B. Beischer, J. Berdugo, B. Bertucci, V. Bindi, W. de Boer, K. Bollweg, B. Borgia, M. J. Boschini, M. Bourquin, E. F. Bueno, J. Burger, W. J. Burger, X. D. Cai, M. Capell, S. Caroff, J. Casaus, G. Castellini, F. Cervelli, Y. H. Chang, G. M. Chen, H. S. Chen, Y. Chen, L. Cheng, H. Y. Chou, V. Choutko, C. H. Chung, C. Clark, G. Coignet, C. Consolandi, A. Contin, C. Corti, Z. Cui, K. Dadzie, Y. M. Dai, A. Datta, C. Delgado, S. Della Torre, M. B. Demirköz, L. Derome, S. Di Falco, V. Di Felice, C. Díaz, F. Dimiccoli, P. von Doetinchem, F. Dong, F. Donnini, M. Duranti, A. Egorov, A. Eline, J. Feng, E. Fiandrini, P. Fisher, V. Formato, Y. Galaktionov, C. Gámez, R. J. García-López, C. Gargiulo, H. Gast, I. Gebauer, M. Gervasi, F. Giovacchini, D. M. Gómez-Coral, J. Gong, C. Goy, V. Grabski, D. Grandi, M. Graziani, K. H. Guo, S. Haino, K. C. Han, Z. H. He, T. H. Hsieh, H. Huang, Z. C. Huang, M. Incagli, W. Y. Jang, Yi Jia, H. Jinchi, K. Kanishev, B. Khiali, G. N. Kim, Th. Kirn, M. Konyushikhin, O. Kounina, A. Kounine, V. Koutsenko, A. Kulemzin, G. La Vacca, E. Laudi, G. Laurenti, I. Lazzizzera, A. Lebedev, H. T. Lee, S. C. Lee, J. Q. Li, Q. Li, T. X. Li, Z. H. Li, C. Light, C. H. Lin, T. Lippert, Z. Liu, S. Q. Lu, Y. S. Lu, K. Luebelsmeyer, F. Luo, J. Z. Luo, Xi Luo, S. S. Lyu, F. Machate, C. Mañá, J. Marín, T. Martin, G. Martínez, N. Masi, D. Maurin, A. Menchaca-Rocha, Q. Meng, D. C. Mo, M. Molero, P. Mott, L. Mussolin, T. Nelson, J. Q. Ni, N. Nikonov, F. Nozzoli, A. Oliva, M. Orcinha, M. Palermo, F. Palmonari, M. Paniccia, A. Pashnin, M. Pauluzzi, S. Pensotti, H. D. Phan, V. Plyaskin, V. Poireau, S. Poluianov, A. Popkow, X. M. Qi, X. Qin, Z. Y. Qu, L. Quadrani, P. G. Rancoita, D. Rapin, A. Reina Conde, S. Rosier-Lees, A. Rozhkov, D. Rozza, R. Sagdeev, S. Schael, S. M. Schmidt, A. Schulz von Dratzig, G. Schwering, E. S. Seo, B. S. Shan, J. Y. Shi, T. Siedenburg, C. Solano, J. W. Song, Z. T. Sun, M. Tacconi, X. W. Tang, Z. C. Tang, J. Tian, Samuel C. C. Ting, S. M. Ting, N. Tomassetti, J. Torsti, C. Tüysüz, T. Urban, I. Usoskin, V. Vagelli, R. Vainio, E. Valente, E. Valtonen, M. Vázquez Acosta, M. Vecchi, M. Velasco, J. P. Vialle, L. Q. Wang, N. H. Wang, Q. L. Wang, X. Wang, X. Q. Wang, Z. X. Wang, J. Wei, Z. L. Weng, H. Wu, R. Q. Xiong, W. Xu, Q. Yan, Y. Yang, H. Yi, Y. J. Yu, Z. Q. Yu, M. Zannoni, S. Zeissler, C. Zhang, F. Zhang, J. H. Zhang, Z. Zhang, F. Zhao, Z. M. Zheng, H. L. Zhuang, V. Zhukov, A. Zichichi, N. Zimmermann, and P. Zuccon
Published: 2019
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37. Towards Understanding the Origin of Cosmic-Ray Electrons

Author: M. Aguilar, L. Ali Cavasonza, B. Alpat, G. Ambrosi, L. Arruda, N. Attig, P. Azzarello, A. Bachlechner, F. Barao, A. Barrau, L. Barrin, A. Bartoloni, L. Basara, S. Başeğmez-du Pree, R. Battiston, U. Becker, M. Behlmann, B. Beischer, J. Berdugo, B. Bertucci, V. Bindi, W. de Boer, K. Bollweg, B. Borgia, M. J. Boschini, M. Bourquin, E. F. Bueno, J. Burger, W. J. Burger, X. D. Cai, M. Capell, S. Caroff, J. Casaus, G. Castellini, F. Cervelli, Y. H. Chang, G. M. Chen, H. S. Chen, Y. Chen, L. Cheng, H. Y. Chou, V. Choutko, C. H. Chung, C. Clark, G. Coignet, C. Consolandi, A. Contin, C. Corti, M. Crispoltoni, Z. Cui, K. Dadzie, Y. M. Dai, A. Datta, C. Delgado, S. Della Torre, M. B. Demirköz, L. Derome, S. Di Falco, V. Di Felice, F. Dimiccoli, C. Díaz, P. von Doetinchem, F. Dong, F. Donnini, M. Duranti, A. Egorov, A. Eline, T. Eronen, J. Feng, E. Fiandrini, P. Fisher, V. Formato, Y. Galaktionov, R. J. García-López, C. Gargiulo, H. Gast, I. Gebauer, M. Gervasi, F. Giovacchini, D. M. Gómez-Coral, J. Gong, C. Goy, V. Grabski, D. Grandi, M. Graziani, K. H. Guo, S. Haino, K. C. Han, Z. H. He, M. Heil, T. H. Hsieh, H. Huang, Z. C. Huang, M. Incagli, Yi Jia, H. Jinchi, K. Kanishev, B. Khiali, Th. Kirn, C. Konak, O. Kounina, A. Kounine, V. Koutsenko, A. Kulemzin, G. La Vacca, E. Laudi, G. Laurenti, I. Lazzizzera, A. Lebedev, H. T. Lee, S. C. Lee, C. Leluc, J. Q. Li, Q. Li, T. X. Li, Z. H. Li, C. Light, C. H. Lin, T. Lippert, F. Z. Liu, Hu Liu, Z. Liu, S. Q. Lu, Y. S. Lu, K. Luebelsmeyer, F. Luo, J. Z. Luo, Xi Luo, S. S. Lyu, F. Machate, C. Mañá, J. Marín, T. Martin, G. Martínez, N. Masi, D. Maurin, A. Menchaca-Rocha, Q. Meng, D. C. Mo, M. Molero, P. Mott, L. Mussolin, T. Nelson, J. Q. Ni, N. Nikonov, F. Nozzoli, A. Oliva, M. Orcinha, M. Palermo, F. Palmonari, M. Paniccia, A. Pashnin, M. Pauluzzi, S. Pensotti, C. Perrina, H. D. Phan, N. Picot-Clemente, V. Plyaskin, M. Pohl, V. Poireau, A. Popkow, L. Quadrani, X. M. Qi, X. Qin, Z. Y. Qu, P. G. Rancoita, D. Rapin, A. Reina Conde, S. Rosier-Lees, A. Rozhkov, D. Rozza, R. Sagdeev, C. Solano, S. Schael, S. M. Schmidt, A. Schulz von Dratzig, G. Schwering, E. S. Seo, B. S. Shan, J. Y. Shi, T. Siedenburg, J. W. Song, Z. T. Sun, M. Tacconi, X. W. Tang, Z. C. Tang, J. Tian, Samuel C. C. Ting, S. M. Ting, N. Tomassetti, J. Torsti, T. Urban, V. Vagelli, E. Valente, E. Valtonen, M. Vázquez Acosta, M. Vecchi, M. Velasco, J. P. Vialle, J. Vizán, L. Q. Wang, N. H. Wang, Q. L. Wang, X. Wang, X. Q. Wang, Z. X. Wang, J. Wei, Z. L. Weng, H. Wu, R. Q. Xiong, W. Xu, Q. Yan, Y. Yang, H. Yi, Y. J. Yu, Z. Q. Yu, M. Zannoni, S. Zeissler, C. Zhang, F. Zhang, J. H. Zhang, Z. Zhang, F. Zhao, Z. M. Zheng, H. L. Zhuang, V. Zhukov, A. Zichichi, N. Zimmermann, and P. Zuccon
Published: 2019
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38. Rapid high throughput SYBR green assay for identifying the malaria vectors Anopheles arabiensis, Anopheles coluzzii and Anopheles gambiae s.s. Giles.

Author: Joseph Chabi, Arjen Van't Hof, Louis K N'dri, Alex Datsomor, Dora Okyere, Harun Njoroge, Dimitra Pipini, Melinda P Hadi, Dziedzom K de Souza, Takashi Suzuki, Samuel K Dadzie, and Helen P Jamet
Subjects: Medicine, Science
Abstract: The Anopheles gambiae sensu lato species complex consists of a number of cryptic species with different habitats and behaviours. These morphologically indistinct species are identified by chromosome banding. Several molecular diagnostic techniques for distinguishing between An. coluzzii and An. gambiae are still under improvement. Although, the current SINE method for identification between An. coluzzii and An. gambiae works reliably, this study describes a refinement of the SINE method to increase sensitivity for identification of An. coluzzii, An. gambiae and An. arabiensis based on amplicon dissociation curve characteristics. Field-collected samples, laboratory-reared colonies and crossed specimens of the two species were used for the design of the protocol. An. gambiae, An. coluzzii, and hybrids of the two species were sampled from Ghana and An. arabiensis from Kenya. Samples were first characterised using conventional SINE PCR method, and further assayed using SYBR green, an intercalating fluorescent dye. The three species and hybrids were clearly differentiated using the melting temperature of the dissociation curves, with derivative peaks at 72°C for An. arabiensis, 75°C for An. gambiae and 86°C for An. coluzzii. The hybrids (An. gambiae / An. coluzzii) showed both peaks. This work is the first to describe a SYBR green real time PCR method for the characterization of An. arabiensis, An. gambiae and An. coluzzii and was purposely designed for basic melt-curve analysis (rather than high-resolution melt-curve) to allow it to be used on a wide range of real-time PCR machines.
Published: 2019
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39. Transmission indices and microfilariae prevalence in human population prior to mass drug administration with ivermectin and albendazole in the Gomoa District of Ghana

Author: Fred Aboagye-Antwi, Bethel Kwansa-Bentum, Samuel K. Dadzie, Collins K. Ahorlu, Maxwell A. Appawu, John Gyapong, Michael David Wilson, and Daniel Adjei Boakye
Subjects: Perceptions, Baseline indices, Human microfilariae, Anopheles species, Transmission, Ghana, Infectious and parasitic diseases, RC109-216
Abstract: Abstract Background The Lymphatic Filariasis Elimination Programme in Ghana involves annual mass drug administration (MDA) of ivermectin and albendazole to persons living in endemic areas. This is repeated annually for 4–6 years to span across the reproductive lifespan of adult worms. In order to stimulate participation of community members in the MDA programme, this study was carried out to understand local views on transmission, management and prevention of the disease. The study also presents baseline transmission indices and microfilariae prevalence in the human population in eight endemic communities of coastal Ghana prior to the MDA. Methods A descriptive survey was carried out to explore perceptions on causes, treatment and prevention of lymphatic filariasis. Perceptions on community participation in disease control programmes were also assessed. After participants were selected by cluster sampling and 100 μl of blood sampled from each individual and examined for mf microfilariae. A similar volume of blood was used to determine the presence of circulating filarial antigen. Mosquitoes were collected simultaneously at all sites by human landing catches for 4 days per month over a six-month period. All Anopheles mosquitoes were dissected and examined for the larval stages of the parasite following which molecular identification of both vector and parasite was done. Results Eight hundred and four persons were interviewed, of which 284 (32.9 %; CI 31.1–34.5) acknowledged elephantiasis and hydrocoele as health related issues in the communities. Thirty-three people (3.8 %; CI 2.1–5.5) thought sleeping under bed net could help prevent elephantiasis. Microfilariae prevalence was 4.6 % (43/941) whiles 8.7 % (75/861) were positive for circulating filarial antigen. A total of 17,784 mosquitoes were collected, majority (55.8 %) of which were Anopheles followed by Culex species (40 %). Monthly biting rates ranged between 311 and 6116 bites/person for all the eight communities together. Annual transmission potential values for An. gambiae s.s. and An. funestus were 311.35 and 153.50 respectively. Conclusion Even though the highest mf density among inhabitants was recorded in a community that had the lowest Anopheles density with Culex species constituting 95 % of all mosquitoes collected, Anopheles gambiae s.s. and An. funestus remained the main vectors.
Published: 2015
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40. Assessing the presence of Wuchereria bancrofti in vector and human populations from urban communities in Conakry, Guinea

Author: Bernard L. Kouassi, Dziedzom K. de Souza, Andre Goepogui, Charles A. Narh, Sandra A. King, Baldé S. Mamadou, Lamia Diakité, Samuel K. Dadzie, Daniel A. Boakye, Jürg Utzinger, Moses J. Bockarie, and Benjamin G. Koudou
Subjects: Guinea, Lymphatic filariasis, Mass drug administration, Transmission, Wuchereria bancrofti, Infectious and parasitic diseases, RC109-216
Abstract: Abstract Background The Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis was launched in 2000 with the goal of interrupting transmission of lymphatic filariasis (LF) through multiple rounds of mass drug administration (MDA). In Guinea, there is evidence of ongoing LF transmission, but little is known about the most densely populated parts of the country, including the capital Conakry. In order to guide the LF control and elimination efforts, serological and entomological surveys were carried out to determine whether or not LF transmission occurs in Conakry. Methods The prevalence of circulating filarial antigen (CFA) of Wuchereria bancrofti was assessed by an immuno-chromatography test (ICT) in people recruited from all five districts of Conakry. Mosquitoes were collected over a 1-year period, in 195 households in 15 communities. A proportion of mosquitoes were analysed for W. bancrofti, using dissection, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay and conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results CFA test revealed no infection in the 611 individuals examined. A total of 14,334 mosquitoes were collected; 14,135 Culex (98.6 %), 161 Anopheles (1.1 %) and a few other species. Out of 1,312 Culex spp. (9.3 %) and 51 An. gambiae (31.7 %) dissected, none was infected with any stage of the W. bancrofti parasite. However, the LAMP assay revealed that 1.8 % of An. gambiae and 0.31 % of Culex spp. were positive, while PCR determined respective prevalences of 0 % and 0.19 %. Conclusions This study revealed the presence of W. bancrofti DNA in mosquitoes, despite the apparent absence of infection in the human population. Although MDA interventions are not recommended where the prevalence of ICT is below 1 %, the entomological results are suggestive of the circulation of the parasite in the population of Conakry. Therefore, rigorous surveillance is still warranted so that LF transmission in Conakry would be identified rapidly and adequate responses being implemented.
Published: 2015
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41. Towards Understanding the Origin of Cosmic-Ray Positrons

Author: M. Aguilar, L. Ali Cavasonza, G. Ambrosi, L. Arruda, N. Attig, P. Azzarello, A. Bachlechner, F. Barao, A. Barrau, L. Barrin, A. Bartoloni, L. Basara, S. Başeğmez-du Pree, R. Battiston, U. Becker, M. Behlmann, B. Beischer, J. Berdugo, B. Bertucci, V. Bindi, W. de Boer, K. Bollweg, B. Borgia, M. J. Boschini, M. Bourquin, E. F. Bueno, J. Burger, W. J. Burger, X. D. Cai, M. Capell, S. Caroff, J. Casaus, G. Castellini, F. Cervelli, Y. H. Chang, G. M. Chen, H. S. Chen, Y. Chen, L. Cheng, H. Y. Chou, V. Choutko, C. H. Chung, C. Clark, G. Coignet, C. Consolandi, A. Contin, C. Corti, M. Crispoltoni, Z. Cui, K. Dadzie, Y. M. Dai, A. Datta, C. Delgado, S. Della Torre, M. B. Demirköz, L. Derome, S. Di Falco, F. Dimiccoli, C. Díaz, P. von Doetinchem, F. Dong, F. Donnini, M. Duranti, A. Egorov, A. Eline, T. Eronen, J. Feng, E. Fiandrini, P. Fisher, V. Formato, Y. Galaktionov, R. J. García-López, C. Gargiulo, H. Gast, I. Gebauer, M. Gervasi, F. Giovacchini, D. M. Gómez-Coral, J. Gong, C. Goy, V. Grabski, D. Grandi, M. Graziani, K. H. Guo, S. Haino, K. C. Han, Z. H. He, M. Heil, T. H. Hsieh, H. Huang, Z. C. Huang, M. Incagli, Yi Jia, H. Jinchi, K. Kanishev, B. Khiali, Th. Kirn, C. Konak, O. Kounina, A. Kounine, V. Koutsenko, A. Kulemzin, G. La Vacca, E. Laudi, G. Laurenti, I. Lazzizzera, A. Lebedev, H. T. Lee, S. C. Lee, C. Leluc, J. Q. Li, Q. Li, T. X. Li, Z. H. Li, C. Light, C. H. Lin, T. Lippert, F. Z. Liu, Hu Liu, Z. Liu, S. Q. Lu, Y. S. Lu, K. Luebelsmeyer, F. Luo, J. Z. Luo, Xi Luo, S. S. Lyu, F. Machate, C. Mañá, J. Marín, T. Martin, G. Martínez, N. Masi, D. Maurin, A. Menchaca-Rocha, Q. Meng, D. C. Mo, M. Molero, P. Mott, L. Mussolin, T. Nelson, J. Q. Ni, N. Nikonov, F. Nozzoli, A. Oliva, M. Orcinha, M. Palermo, F. Palmonari, M. Paniccia, A. Pashnin, M. Pauluzzi, S. Pensotti, C. Perrina, H. D. Phan, N. Picot-Clemente, V. Plyaskin, M. Pohl, V. Poireau, A. Popkow, L. Quadrani, X. M. Qi, X. Qin, Z. Y. Qu, P. G. Rancoita, D. Rapin, A. Reina Conde, S. Rosier-Lees, A. Rozhkov, D. Rozza, R. Sagdeev, C. Solano, S. Schael, S. M. Schmidt, A. Schulz von Dratzig, G. Schwering, E. S. Seo, B. S. Shan, J. Y. Shi, T. Siedenburg, J. W. Song, Z. T. Sun, M. Tacconi, X. W. Tang, Z. C. Tang, J. Tian, Samuel C. C. Ting, S. M. Ting, N. Tomassetti, J. Torsti, T. Urban, V. Vagelli, E. Valente, E. Valtonen, M. Vázquez Acosta, M. Vecchi, M. Velasco, J. P. Vialle, J. Vizán, L. Q. Wang, N. H. Wang, Q. L. Wang, X. Wang, X. Q. Wang, Z. X. Wang, J. Wei, Z. L. Weng, H. Wu, R. Q. Xiong, W. Xu, Q. Yan, Y. Yang, H. Yi, Y. J. Yu, Z. Q. Yu, M. Zannoni, S. Zeissler, C. Zhang, F. Zhang, J. H. Zhang, Z. Zhang, F. Zhao, Z. M. Zheng, H. L. Zhuang, V. Zhukov, A. Zichichi, N. Zimmermann, and P. Zuccon
Published: 2019
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42. Observation of Complex Time Structures in the Cosmic-Ray Electron and Positron Fluxes with the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station

Author: M. Aguilar, L. Ali Cavasonza, G. Ambrosi, L. Arruda, N. Attig, S. Aupetit, P. Azzarello, A. Bachlechner, F. Barao, A. Barrau, L. Barrin, A. Bartoloni, L. Basara, S. Başeğmez-du Pree, M. Battarbee, R. Battiston, U. Becker, M. Behlmann, B. Beischer, J. Berdugo, B. Bertucci, K. F. Bindel, V. Bindi, W. de Boer, K. Bollweg, V. Bonnivard, B. Borgia, M. J. Boschini, M. Bourquin, E. F. Bueno, J. Burger, F. Cadoux, X. D. Cai, M. Capell, S. Caroff, J. Casaus, G. Castellini, F. Cervelli, M. J. Chae, Y. H. Chang, A. I. Chen, G. M. Chen, H. S. Chen, Y. Chen, L. Cheng, H. Y. Chou, E. Choumilov, V. Choutko, C. H. Chung, C. Clark, R. Clavero, G. Coignet, C. Consolandi, A. Contin, C. Corti, W. Creus, M. Crispoltoni, Z. Cui, K. Dadzie, Y. M. Dai, A. Datta, C. Delgado, S. Della Torre, M. B. Demirköz, L. Derome, S. Di Falco, F. Dimiccoli, C. Díaz, P. von Doetinchem, F. Dong, F. Donnini, M. Duranti, D. D’Urso, A. Egorov, A. Eline, T. Eronen, J. Feng, E. Fiandrini, P. Fisher, V. Formato, Y. Galaktionov, G. Gallucci, R. J. García-López, C. Gargiulo, H. Gast, I. Gebauer, M. Gervasi, A. Ghelfi, F. Giovacchini, D. M. Gómez-Coral, J. Gong, C. Goy, V. Grabski, D. Grandi, M. Graziani, K. H. Guo, S. Haino, K. C. Han, Z. H. He, M. Heil, T. H. Hsieh, H. Huang, Z. C. Huang, C. Huh, M. Incagli, M. Ionica, W. Y. Jang, Yi Jia, H. Jinchi, S. C. Kang, K. Kanishev, B. Khiali, G. N. Kim, K. S. Kim, Th. Kirn, C. Konak, O. Kounina, A. Kounine, V. Koutsenko, A. Kulemzin, G. La Vacca, E. Laudi, G. Laurenti, I. Lazzizzera, A. Lebedev, H. T. Lee, S. C. Lee, C. Leluc, H. S. Li, J. Q. Li, Q. Li, T. X. Li, Z. H. Li, Z. Y. Li, S. Lim, C. H. Lin, P. Lipari, T. Lippert, D. Liu, Hu Liu, V. D. Lordello, S. Q. Lu, Y. S. Lu, K. Luebelsmeyer, F. Luo, J. Z. Luo, S. S. Lyu, F. Machate, C. Mañá, J. Marín, T. Martin, G. Martínez, N. Masi, D. Maurin, A. Menchaca-Rocha, Q. Meng, V. M. Mikuni, D. C. Mo, P. Mott, T. Nelson, J. Q. Ni, N. Nikonov, F. Nozzoli, A. Oliva, M. Orcinha, M. Palermo, F. Palmonari, C. Palomares, M. Paniccia, M. Pauluzzi, S. Pensotti, C. Perrina, H. D. Phan, N. Picot-Clemente, F. Pilo, C. Pizzolotto, V. Plyaskin, M. Pohl, V. Poireau, L. Quadrani, X. M. Qi, X. Qin, Z. Y. Qu, T. Räihä, P. G. Rancoita, D. Rapin, J. S. Ricol, S. Rosier-Lees, A. Rozhkov, D. Rozza, R. Sagdeev, S. Schael, S. M. Schmidt, A. Schulz von Dratzig, G. Schwering, E. S. Seo, B. S. Shan, J. Y. Shi, T. Siedenburg, D. Son, J. W. Song, M. Tacconi, X. W. Tang, Z. C. Tang, D. Tescaro, Samuel C. C. Ting, S. M. Ting, N. Tomassetti, J. Torsti, C. Türkoğlu, T. Urban, V. Vagelli, E. Valente, E. Valtonen, M. Vázquez Acosta, M. Vecchi, M. Velasco, J. P. Vialle, L. Q. Wang, N. H. Wang, Q. L. Wang, X. Wang, X. Q. Wang, Z. X. Wang, C. C. Wei, Z. L. Weng, K. Whitman, H. Wu, X. Wu, R. Q. Xiong, W. Xu, Q. Yan, J. Yang, M. Yang, Y. Yang, H. Yi, Y. J. Yu, Z. Q. Yu, M. Zannoni, S. Zeissler, C. Zhang, F. Zhang, J. Zhang, J. H. Zhang, S. W. Zhang, Z. Zhang, Z. M. Zheng, H. L. Zhuang, V. Zhukov, A. Zichichi, N. Zimmermann, and P. Zuccon
Published: 2018
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43. Precision Measurement of Cosmic-Ray Nitrogen and its Primary and Secondary Components with the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station

Author: M. Aguilar, L. Ali Cavasonza, B. Alpat, G. Ambrosi, L. Arruda, N. Attig, S. Aupetit, P. Azzarello, A. Bachlechner, F. Barao, A. Barrau, L. Barrin, A. Bartoloni, L. Basara, S. Başeğmez-du Pree, M. Battarbee, R. Battiston, U. Becker, M. Behlmann, B. Beischer, J. Berdugo, B. Bertucci, K. F. Bindel, V. Bindi, W. de Boer, K. Bollweg, V. Bonnivard, B. Borgia, M. J. Boschini, M. Bourquin, E. F. Bueno, J. Burger, W. J. Burger, X. D. Cai, M. Capell, S. Caroff, J. Casaus, G. Castellini, F. Cervelli, Y. H. Chang, A. I. Chen, G. M. Chen, H. S. Chen, Y. Chen, L. Cheng, H. Y. Chou, E. Choumilov, V. Choutko, C. H. Chung, C. Clark, R. Clavero, G. Coignet, C. Consolandi, A. Contin, C. Corti, W. Creus, M. Crispoltoni, Z. Cui, K. Dadzie, Y. M. Dai, A. Datta, C. Delgado, S. Della Torre, M. B. Demirköz, L. Derome, S. Di Falco, F. Dimiccoli, C. Díaz, P. von Doetinchem, F. Dong, F. Donnini, M. Duranti, A. Egorov, A. Eline, T. Eronen, J. Feng, E. Fiandrini, P. Fisher, V. Formato, Y. Galaktionov, G. Gallucci, R. J. García-López, C. Gargiulo, H. Gast, I. Gebauer, M. Gervasi, A. Ghelfi, F. Giovacchini, D. M. Gómez-Coral, J. Gong, C. Goy, V. Grabski, D. Grandi, M. Graziani, K. H. Guo, S. Haino, K. C. Han, Z. H. He, M. Heil, T. H. Hsieh, H. Huang, Z. C. Huang, M. Incagli, Yi Jia, H. Jinchi, K. Kanishev, B. Khiali, Th. Kirn, C. Konak, O. Kounina, A. Kounine, V. Koutsenko, A. Kulemzin, G. La Vacca, E. Laudi, G. Laurenti, I. Lazzizzera, A. Lebedev, H. T. Lee, S. C. Lee, C. Leluc, H. S. Li, J. Q. Li, Q. Li, T. X. Li, Z. H. Li, Z. Y. Li, C. H. Lin, P. Lipari, T. Lippert, D. Liu, Hu Liu, Z. Liu, V. D. Lordello, S. Q. Lu, Y. S. Lu, K. Luebelsmeyer, F. Luo, J. Z. Luo, S. S. Lyu, F. Machate, C. Mañá, J. Marín, T. Martin, G. Martínez, N. Masi, D. Maurin, A. Menchaca-Rocha, Q. Meng, V. M. Mikuni, D. C. Mo, P. Mott, L. Mussolin, T. Nelson, J. Q. Ni, N. Nikonov, F. Nozzoli, A. Oliva, M. Orcinha, M. Palermo, F. Palmonari, C. Palomares, M. Paniccia, M. Pauluzzi, S. Pensotti, C. Perrina, H. D. Phan, N. Picot-Clemente, F. Pilo, V. Plyaskin, M. Pohl, V. Poireau, L. Quadrani, X. M. Qi, X. Qin, Z. Y. Qu, T. Räihä, P. G. Rancoita, D. Rapin, J. S. Ricol, S. Rosier-Lees, A. Rozhkov, D. Rozza, R. Sagdeev, S. Schael, S. M. Schmidt, A. Schulz von Dratzig, G. Schwering, E. S. Seo, B. S. Shan, J. Y. Shi, T. Siedenburg, J. W. Song, M. Tacconi, X. W. Tang, Z. C. Tang, D. Tescaro, J. Tian, Samuel C. C. Ting, S. M. Ting, N. Tomassetti, J. Torsti, T. Urban, V. Vagelli, E. Valente, E. Valtonen, M. Vázquez Acosta, M. Vecchi, M. Velasco, J. P. Vialle, L. Q. Wang, N. H. Wang, Q. L. Wang, X. Wang, X. Q. Wang, Z. X. Wang, C. C. Wei, J. Wei, Z. L. Weng, K. Whitman, H. Wu, R. Q. Xiong, W. Xu, Q. Yan, M. Yang, Y. Yang, H. Yi, Y. J. Yu, Z. Q. Yu, M. Zannoni, S. Zeissler, C. Zhang, F. Zhang, J. Zhang, J. H. Zhang, S. W. Zhang, Z. Zhang, Z. M. Zheng, H. L. Zhuang, V. Zhukov, A. Zichichi, N. Zimmermann, and P. Zuccon
Published: 2018
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44. Observation of Fine Time Structures in the Cosmic Proton and Helium Fluxes with the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station

Author: M. Aguilar, L. Ali Cavasonza, B. Alpat, G. Ambrosi, L. Arruda, N. Attig, S. Aupetit, P. Azzarello, A. Bachlechner, F. Barao, A. Barrau, L. Barrin, A. Bartoloni, L. Basara, S. Başeğmez-du Pree, M. Battarbee, R. Battiston, U. Becker, M. Behlmann, B. Beischer, J. Berdugo, B. Bertucci, K. F. Bindel, V. Bindi, W. de Boer, K. Bollweg, V. Bonnivard, B. Borgia, M. J. Boschini, M. Bourquin, E. F. Bueno, J. Burger, F. Cadoux, X. D. Cai, M. Capell, S. Caroff, J. Casaus, G. Castellini, F. Cervelli, M. J. Chae, Y. H. Chang, A. I. Chen, G. M. Chen, H. S. Chen, Y. Chen, L. Cheng, H. Y. Chou, E. Choumilov, V. Choutko, C. H. Chung, C. Clark, R. Clavero, G. Coignet, C. Consolandi, A. Contin, C. Corti, W. Creus, M. Crispoltoni, Z. Cui, K. Dadzie, Y. M. Dai, A. Datta, C. Delgado, S. Della Torre, M. B. Demirköz, L. Derome, S. Di Falco, F. Dimiccoli, C. Díaz, P. von Doetinchem, F. Dong, F. Donnini, M. Duranti, D. D’Urso, A. Egorov, A. Eline, T. Eronen, J. Feng, E. Fiandrini, P. Fisher, V. Formato, Y. Galaktionov, G. Gallucci, R. J. García-López, C. Gargiulo, H. Gast, I. Gebauer, M. Gervasi, A. Ghelfi, F. Giovacchini, D. M. Gómez-Coral, J. Gong, C. Goy, V. Grabski, D. Grandi, M. Graziani, K. H. Guo, S. Haino, K. C. Han, Z. H. He, M. Heil, J. Hoffman, T. H. Hsieh, H. Huang, Z. C. Huang, C. Huh, M. Incagli, M. Ionica, W. Y. Jang, Yi Jia, H. Jinchi, S. C. Kang, K. Kanishev, B. Khiali, G. N. Kim, K. S. Kim, Th. Kirn, C. Konak, O. Kounina, A. Kounine, V. Koutsenko, A. Kulemzin, G. La Vacca, E. Laudi, G. Laurenti, I. Lazzizzera, A. Lebedev, H. T. Lee, S. C. Lee, C. Leluc, H. S. Li, J. Q. Li, Q. Li, T. X. Li, Z. H. Li, Z. Y. Li, C. Light, S. Lim, C. H. Lin, P. Lipari, T. Lippert, D. Liu, Hu Liu, V. D. Lordello, S. Q. Lu, Y. S. Lu, K. Luebelsmeyer, F. Luo, J. Z. Luo, X. Luo, S. S. Lyu, F. Machate, C. Mañá, J. Marín, T. Martin, G. Martínez, N. Masi, D. Maurin, A. Menchaca-Rocha, Q. Meng, V. M. Mikuni, D. C. Mo, P. Mott, T. Nelson, J. Q. Ni, N. Nikonov, F. Nozzoli, A. Oliva, M. Orcinha, M. Palermo, F. Palmonari, C. Palomares, M. Paniccia, M. Pauluzzi, S. Pensotti, C. Perrina, H. D. Phan, N. Picot-Clemente, F. Pilo, C. Pizzolotto, V. Plyaskin, M. Pohl, V. Poireau, A. Popkow, L. Quadrani, X. M. Qi, X. Qin, Z. Y. Qu, T. Räihä, P. G. Rancoita, D. Rapin, J. S. Ricol, S. Rosier-Lees, A. Rozhkov, D. Rozza, R. Sagdeev, S. Schael, S. M. Schmidt, A. Schulz von Dratzig, G. Schwering, E. S. Seo, B. S. Shan, J. Y. Shi, T. Siedenburg, D. Son, J. W. Song, M. Tacconi, X. W. Tang, Z. C. Tang, D. Tescaro, Samuel C. C. Ting, S. M. Ting, N. Tomassetti, J. Torsti, C. Türkoğlu, T. Urban, V. Vagelli, E. Valente, E. Valtonen, M. Vázquez Acosta, M. Vecchi, M. Velasco, J. P. Vialle, L. Q. Wang, N. H. Wang, Q. L. Wang, X. Wang, X. Q. Wang, Z. X. Wang, C. C. Wei, Z. L. Weng, K. Whitman, H. Wu, X. Wu, R. Q. Xiong, W. Xu, Q. Yan, J. Yang, M. Yang, Y. Yang, H. Yi, Y. J. Yu, Z. Q. Yu, M. Zannoni, S. Zeissler, C. Zhang, F. Zhang, J. Zhang, J. H. Zhang, S. W. Zhang, Z. Zhang, Z. M. Zheng, H. L. Zhuang, V. Zhukov, A. Zichichi, N. Zimmermann, and P. Zuccon
Published: 2018
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45. Assessing the Presence of Wuchereria bancrofti Infections in Vectors Using Xenomonitoring in Lymphatic Filariasis Endemic Districts in Ghana

Author: Sellase Pi-Bansa, Joseph H. N. Osei, Worlasi D. Kartey-Attipoe, Elizabeth Elhassan, David Agyemang, Sampson Otoo, Samuel K. Dadzie, Maxwell A. Appawu, Michael D. Wilson, Benjamin G. Koudou, Dziedzom K. de Souza, Jürg Utzinger, and Daniel A. Boakye
Subjects: Anopheles melas, Ghana, lymphatic filariasis, post-mass drug administration surveillance, Wuchereria bancrofti, xenomonitoring, Medicine
Abstract: Mass drug administration (MDA) is the current mainstay to interrupt the transmission of lymphatic filariasis. To monitor whether MDA is effective and transmission of lymphatic filariasis indeed has been interrupted, rigorous surveillance is required. Assessment of transmission by programme managers is usually done via serology. New research suggests that xenomonitoring holds promise for determining the success of lymphatic filariasis interventions. The objective of this study was to assess Wuchereria bancrofti infection in mosquitoes as a post-MDA surveillance tool using xenomonitoring. The study was carried out in four districts of Ghana; Ahanta West, Mpohor, Kassena Nankana West and Bongo. A suite of mosquito sampling methods was employed, including human landing collections, pyrethrum spray catches and window exit traps. Infection of W. bancrofti in mosquitoes was determined using dissection, conventional and real-time polymerase chain reaction and loop mediated isothermal amplification assays. Aedes, Anopheles coustani, An. gambiae, An. pharoensis, Culex and Mansonia mosquitoes were sampled in each of the four study districts. The dissected mosquitoes were positive for filarial infection using molecular assays. Dissected An. melas mosquitoes from Ahanta West district were the only species found positive for filarial parasites. We conclude that whilst samples extracted with Trizol reagent did not show any positives, molecular methods should still be considered for monitoring and surveillance of lymphatic filariasis transmission.
Published: 2019
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46. Observation of New Properties of Secondary Cosmic Rays Lithium, Beryllium, and Boron by the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station

Author: M. Aguilar, L. Ali Cavasonza, G. Ambrosi, L. Arruda, N. Attig, S. Aupetit, P. Azzarello, A. Bachlechner, F. Barao, A. Barrau, L. Barrin, A. Bartoloni, L. Basara, S. Başeğmez-du Pree, M. Battarbee, R. Battiston, U. Becker, M. Behlmann, B. Beischer, J. Berdugo, B. Bertucci, K. F. Bindel, V. Bindi, W. de Boer, K. Bollweg, V. Bonnivard, B. Borgia, M. J. Boschini, M. Bourquin, E. F. Bueno, J. Burger, W. J. Burger, F. Cadoux, X. D. Cai, M. Capell, S. Caroff, J. Casaus, G. Castellini, F. Cervelli, M. J. Chae, Y. H. Chang, A. I. Chen, G. M. Chen, H. S. Chen, L. Cheng, H. Y. Chou, E. Choumilov, V. Choutko, C. H. Chung, C. Clark, R. Clavero, G. Coignet, C. Consolandi, A. Contin, C. Corti, W. Creus, M. Crispoltoni, Z. Cui, K. Dadzie, Y. M. Dai, A. Datta, C. Delgado, S. Della Torre, M. B. Demirköz, L. Derome, S. Di Falco, F. Dimiccoli, C. Díaz, P. von Doetinchem, F. Dong, F. Donnini, M. Duranti, D. D’Urso, A. Egorov, A. Eline, T. Eronen, J. Feng, E. Fiandrini, P. Fisher, V. Formato, Y. Galaktionov, G. Gallucci, R. J. García-López, C. Gargiulo, H. Gast, I. Gebauer, M. Gervasi, A. Ghelfi, F. Giovacchini, D. M. Gómez-Coral, J. Gong, C. Goy, V. Grabski, D. Grandi, M. Graziani, K. H. Guo, S. Haino, K. C. Han, Z. H. He, M. Heil, T. H. Hsieh, H. Huang, Z. C. Huang, C. Huh, M. Incagli, M. Ionica, W. Y. Jang, Yi Jia, H. Jinchi, S. C. Kang, K. Kanishev, B. Khiali, G. N. Kim, K. S. Kim, Th. Kirn, C. Konak, O. Kounina, A. Kounine, V. Koutsenko, A. Kulemzin, G. La Vacca, E. Laudi, G. Laurenti, I. Lazzizzera, A. Lebedev, H. T. Lee, S. C. Lee, C. Leluc, H. S. Li, J. Q. Li, Q. Li, T. X. Li, Y. Li, Z. H. Li, Z. Y. Li, S. Lim, C. H. Lin, P. Lipari, T. Lippert, D. Liu, Hu Liu, V. D. Lordello, S. Q. Lu, Y. S. Lu, K. Luebelsmeyer, F. Luo, J. Z. Luo, S. S. Lyu, F. Machate, C. Mañá, J. Marín, T. Martin, G. Martínez, N. Masi, D. Maurin, A. Menchaca-Rocha, Q. Meng, V. M. Mikuni, D. C. Mo, P. Mott, T. Nelson, J. Q. Ni, N. Nikonov, F. Nozzoli, A. Oliva, M. Orcinha, M. Palermo, F. Palmonari, C. Palomares, M. Paniccia, M. Pauluzzi, S. Pensotti, C. Perrina, H. D. Phan, N. Picot-Clemente, F. Pilo, C. Pizzolotto, V. Plyaskin, M. Pohl, V. Poireau, L. Quadrani, X. M. Qi, X. Qin, Z. Y. Qu, T. Räihä, P. G. Rancoita, D. Rapin, J. S. Ricol, S. Rosier-Lees, A. Rozhkov, D. Rozza, R. Sagdeev, S. Schael, S. M. Schmidt, A. Schulz von Dratzig, G. Schwering, E. S. Seo, B. S. Shan, J. Y. Shi, T. Siedenburg, D. Son, J. W. Song, M. Tacconi, X. W. Tang, Z. C. Tang, D. Tescaro, Samuel C. C. Ting, S. M. Ting, N. Tomassetti, J. Torsti, C. Türkoğlu, T. Urban, V. Vagelli, E. Valente, E. Valtonen, M. Vázquez Acosta, M. Vecchi, M. Velasco, J. P. Vialle, V. Vitale, L. Q. Wang, N. H. Wang, Q. L. Wang, X. Wang, X. Q. Wang, Z. X. Wang, C. C. Wei, Z. L. Weng, K. Whitman, H. Wu, X. Wu, R. Q. Xiong, W. Xu, Q. Yan, J. Yang, M. Yang, Y. Yang, H. Yi, Y. J. Yu, Z. Q. Yu, M. Zannoni, S. Zeissler, C. Zhang, F. Zhang, J. Zhang, J. H. Zhang, S. W. Zhang, Z. Zhang, Z. M. Zheng, H. L. Zhuang, V. Zhukov, A. Zichichi, N. Zimmermann, and P. Zuccon
Published: 2018
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47. Comparison of Modified Manual Acid-Phenol Chloroform Method and Commercial RNA Extraction Kits for Resource Limited Laboratories.

Author: Sakyi, Samuel Asamoah, Effah, Alfred, Naturinda, Emmanuel, Senu, Ebenezer, Opoku, Stephen, Amoani, Benjamin, Agordzo, Samuel Kekeli, Mensah, Oscar Simon Olympio, Grant, James, Abban, Elizabeth, Buckman, Tonnies Abeku, Kwarteng, Alexander, Ephraim, Richard K. Dadzie, and Danquah, Kwabena Owusu
Abstract: Background and Aim. RNA extraction is a commonly used technique in molecular biology. In recent years, commercially available RNA extraction kits have largely replaced conventional approaches. However, these commercial kits are expensive and are not readily available in many resource-constrained institutions and laboratories. This study therefore compared the performance of the conventional acid guanidinium thiocyanate-phenol-chloroform (AGPC) extraction method to QIAamp® Viral RNA Mini Kit (QIAGEN, Cat. No. 52906) and OxGEn RNA Kit (OxGEn Molecular Solutions, GE-009) to build an in-house RNA extraction technique from blood and oral swab samples. Method. In a comparative experimental cross-sectional study, RNA was extracted from oral swabs and blood samples from 25 healthy individuals at the Department of Molecular Medicine, KNUST. RNA was extracted by the manual AGPC extraction method and commercial RNA extraction kits. The quantity (ng/μl) and purities (260/280 nm) of the extracted RNA were measured spectrophotometrically using the IMPLEN NanoPhotometer® N60. The presence of RNA in the extracts was confirmed using 2% agarose gel electrophoresis. Statistical analyses were conducted using R language. Results. The yield of RNA extracted from blood and oral swab samples using modified AGPC was significantly higher compared to the commercial methods (p < 0.0001). However, the purity of RNA extracted by the manual AGPC method from blood was significantly lower than the commercial methods (p < 0.0001). Moreover, the purity from oral swabs using the manual AGPC method was significantly lower compared to QIAamp (p < 0.0001) and the OxGEn kits method (p < 0.001). Conclusion. The modified manual AGPC method has a very high yield of RNA extracts using blood samples, which could serve as an alternate cost-effective method for RNA extraction in resource-limited laboratories; however, its purity may not be suitable for downstream processes. Moreover, the manual AGPC method may not be suitable for extracting RNA from oral swab samples. Future investigation is needed to improve the purity of the manual AGPC RNA extraction method and also confirmation of the obtained results by PCR amplification and RNA purity verification by sequencing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Published: 2023
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48. Observation of the Identical Rigidity Dependence of He, C, and O Cosmic Rays at High Rigidities by the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station

Author: M. Aguilar, L. Ali Cavasonza, B. Alpat, G. Ambrosi, L. Arruda, N. Attig, S. Aupetit, P. Azzarello, A. Bachlechner, F. Barao, A. Barrau, L. Barrin, A. Bartoloni, L. Basara, S. Başeğmez-du Pree, M. Battarbee, R. Battiston, U. Becker, M. Behlmann, B. Beischer, J. Berdugo, B. Bertucci, K. F. Bindel, V. Bindi, W. de Boer, K. Bollweg, V. Bonnivard, B. Borgia, M. J. Boschini, M. Bourquin, E. F. Bueno, J. Burger, W. J. Burger, F. Cadoux, X. D. Cai, M. Capell, S. Caroff, J. Casaus, G. Castellini, F. Cervelli, M. J. Chae, Y. H. Chang, A. I. Chen, G. M. Chen, H. S. Chen, L. Cheng, H. Y. Chou, E. Choumilov, V. Choutko, C. H. Chung, C. Clark, R. Clavero, G. Coignet, C. Consolandi, A. Contin, C. Corti, W. Creus, M. Crispoltoni, Z. Cui, K. Dadzie, Y. M. Dai, A. Datta, C. Delgado, S. Della Torre, O. Demakov, M. B. Demirköz, L. Derome, S. Di Falco, F. Dimiccoli, C. Díaz, P. von Doetinchem, F. Dong, F. Donnini, M. Duranti, D. D’Urso, A. Egorov, A. Eline, T. Eronen, J. Feng, E. Fiandrini, P. Fisher, V. Formato, Y. Galaktionov, G. Gallucci, R. J. García-López, C. Gargiulo, H. Gast, I. Gebauer, M. Gervasi, A. Ghelfi, F. Giovacchini, D. M. Gómez-Coral, J. Gong, C. Goy, V. Grabski, D. Grandi, M. Graziani, K. H. Guo, S. Haino, K. C. Han, Z. H. He, M. Heil, J. Hoffman, T. H. Hsieh, H. Huang, Z. C. Huang, C. Huh, M. Incagli, M. Ionica, W. Y. Jang, Yi Jia, H. Jinchi, S. C. Kang, K. Kanishev, B. Khiali, G. N. Kim, K. S. Kim, Th. Kirn, C. Konak, O. Kounina, A. Kounine, V. Koutsenko, A. Kulemzin, G. La Vacca, E. Laudi, G. Laurenti, I. Lazzizzera, A. Lebedev, H. T. Lee, S. C. Lee, C. Leluc, H. S. Li, J. Q. Li, Q. Li, T. X. Li, Y. Li, Z. H. Li, Z. Y. Li, S. Lim, C. H. Lin, P. Lipari, T. Lippert, D. Liu, Hu Liu, V. D. Lordello, S. Q. Lu, Y. S. Lu, K. Luebelsmeyer, F. Luo, J. Z. Luo, S. S. Lyu, F. Machate, C. Mañá, J. Marín, T. Martin, G. Martínez, N. Masi, D. Maurin, A. Menchaca-Rocha, Q. Meng, V. M. Mikuni, D. C. Mo, P. Mott, T. Nelson, J. Q. Ni, N. Nikonov, F. Nozzoli, A. Oliva, M. Orcinha, F. Palmonari, C. Palomares, M. Paniccia, M. Pauluzzi, S. Pensotti, C. Perrina, H. D. Phan, N. Picot-Clemente, F. Pilo, C. Pizzolotto, V. Plyaskin, M. Pohl, V. Poireau, L. Quadrani, X. M. Qi, X. Qin, Z. Y. Qu, T. Räihä, P. G. Rancoita, D. Rapin, J. S. Ricol, S. Rosier-Lees, A. Rozhkov, D. Rozza, R. Sagdeev, S. Schael, S. M. Schmidt, A. Schulz von Dratzig, G. Schwering, E. S. Seo, B. S. Shan, J. Y. Shi, T. Siedenburg, D. Son, J. W. Song, M. Tacconi, X. W. Tang, Z. C. Tang, D. Tescaro, Samuel C. C. Ting, S. M. Ting, N. Tomassetti, J. Torsti, C. Türkoğlu, T. Urban, V. Vagelli, E. Valente, E. Valtonen, M. Vázquez Acosta, M. Vecchi, M. Velasco, J. P. Vialle, V. Vitale, S. Vitillo, L. Q. Wang, N. H. Wang, Q. L. Wang, X. Wang, X. Q. Wang, Z. X. Wang, C. C. Wei, Z. L. Weng, K. Whitman, H. Wu, X. Wu, R. Q. Xiong, W. Xu, Q. Yan, J. Yang, M. Yang, Y. Yang, H. Yi, Y. J. Yu, Z. Q. Yu, M. Zannoni, S. Zeissler, C. Zhang, F. Zhang, J. Zhang, J. H. Zhang, S. W. Zhang, Z. Zhang, Z. M. Zheng, H. L. Zhuang, V. Zhukov, A. Zichichi, N. Zimmermann, and P. Zuccon
Published: 2017
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49. Biting Behavior and Molecular Identification of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) Subspecies in Some Selected Recent Yellow Fever Outbreak Communities in Northern Ghana

Author: Samuel K. Dadzie, Daniel A. Boakye, Martin Ntiamoah Donkor, Dorothy Obuobi, Delphina Adabie-Gomez, Joseph Chabi, Francis Balungnaa Veriegh, Victor Asoala, Millicent Captain-Esoah, Godwin Kwame Amlalo, Kwadwo K. Frempong, Philip K. Baidoo, and Eric Behene
Subjects: Veterinary medicine, education, Mosquito Vectors, Aedes aegypti, Subspecies, Ghana, Zika virus, Dengue fever, Aedes, Yellow Fever, parasitic diseases, medicine, Animals, General Veterinary, biology, fungi, Yellow fever, Insect Bites and Stings, Outbreak, biology.organism_classification, medicine.disease, Infectious Diseases, Insect Science, Vector (epidemiology), Insect Proteins, Parasitology, Animal Distribution
Abstract: Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae) is a diurnal feeder that lives in close association with human populations. It is the principal vector of yellow fever, dengue fever and the Zika Virus. Issues of arboviral diseases have been on the ascendency in most countries including Ghana where Aedes mosquito is the main vector of yellow fever. A comparative study of the biting behavior of Ae. aegypti and the identification of subspecies were undertaken using molecular technique. Standard human landing technique was used to collect both indoor and outdoor biting mosquitoes at three zones located in the Upper East (Bolgatanga), Upper West (Nadowli), and Northern (Damongo) Regions of Ghana during the dry and rainy seasons between 0600 and 1800 Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). All collected mosquitoes were identified morphologically using taxonomic keys. random amplified polymorphic DNA polymerase chain reaction was used to categorize Ae. aegypti into subspecies. Adult female Aedes mosquitoes identified formed 62% (n = 1,206) of all female mosquitoes collected. Aedes aegypti 98% and Aedes vittatus 2% were the only Aedes species identified. Bolgatanga recorded the largest number of Ae. aegypti 42%, whereas Nadowli 22% recorded the least. Aedes vittatus was observed in Nadowli. Aedes aegypti exhibited a bimodal biting behavior peaking at 0600–0800 GMT and 1500–1600 h GMT. Molecular findings revealed 69% Ae. aegypti aegypti and 31% Ae. aegypti formosus as the two subspecies (n = 110). This information is important for implementing effective vector control programs in the three regions of the northern Ghana.
Published: 2020
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50. Transmission risk assessment of Aedes-borne arboviral diseases in Accra, Ghana

Author: Nukunu E. Akyea-Bobi, Jewelna Akorli, Samuel Sowah Akporh, Dominic Acquah-Baidoo, Millicent Opoku, Kwadwo Frempong, Sellase Pi-Bansa, Helena A. Boakye, Joannitta Joannides, Mufeez Abudu, Joseph Harold Nyarko Osei, Rebecca Pwalia, Esinam Abla Akorli, Godwin K. Amlalo, Kofi Bonney, Reginald Quansah, and Samuel K. Dadzie
Abstract: BackgroundDengue, Zika and Chikungunya are Aedes-borne viral diseases that have risen to become great global health concerns in the past years. Several countries in Africa have reported outbreaks of these diseases and despite Ghana sharing borders with some of such countries, it remains free of these outbreaks.Recent studies in Ghana have revealed that there are antibodies and viral RNA of the Dengue virus serotype-2 among individuals in some localities in the Greater Accra Region. This is an indication of a possible silent transmission ongoing in the population, hence the need to assess the risk of transmission of these viruses within the country. This cross-sectional study, therefore, assessed the risk of transmission of Dengue, Zika and Chikungunya viruses in a domestic/peri-domestic (Madina) and a forest (Achimota Forest) population in the Greater Accra Region, Ghana.Methodology/FindingsAll stages of the Aedes mosquito (egg, larvae, pupae and adults) were collected around homes and in the forest area for estimation of risk indices. All eggs and immature stages were reared to adults and morphologically identified. The predominant species of Aedes mosquitoes identified from both sites were Aedes aegypti (98 % in Madina and 98.1% in Achimota forest). Aedes albopictus, an important arbovirus vector, was identified only in Madina at a prevalence of 1.5% but Achimota forest had the higher species diversity. Both study sites recorded high risk indices; Madina: Positive Ovitrap Index = 26.6%, Container Index = 36.8%, House Index = 19.8%, Breteau Index = 70.4%; Achimota: Positive Ovitrap Index = 34.2% and Container Index = 67.9%. RT-PCR to detect the presence of Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika viruses was negative for all pools tested.ConclusionAll entomological risk indicators estimated showed that both sites had a high potential of an outbreak of arboviral diseases following the introduction of these viruses.Author SummaryThe detection of antibodies and viral RNA of the dengue virus serotype 2 in some communities in the urban city of Accra, suggested the possibility of silent transmission of arboviral disease within the city. We assessed the risk of arboviral disease transmission using entomological risk indices. The study was a cross-sectional study conducted in a forest and peri domestic setting located in the southern urban city of Accra.The different stages of the Aedes mosquito were collected and, houses and containers positive for Aedes mosquitoes were also noted. The Breteau (BI), House (HI), Container (CI) and Positive ovitrap (POI) indices were determined. Real Time-PCR was conducted to determine the presence of Dengue, Zika and Chikungunya viruses in the larvae and adults collected.Aedes aegypti was the most common species identified from both sites. Aedes albopictus another competent arbovirus vector was identified in the peri-domestic site. Almost all risk indices recorded for both sites were higher than the WHO thresholds allowed for these indices. However, real time-PCR to detect the presence of Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika viruses was negative.The high entomological risk indicators estimated showed that both sites had a great potential of an outbreak following the introduction of these viruses, and a well-structured surveillance for these vectors is highly recommended. The detection of the presence of Ae. albopictus, an invasive species is also of great concern.
Published: 2022
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