Publications by authors named "Obed Nyarko"

The heart integrates diverse cell lineages into a functional unit, including the pericardium, a mesothelial sac that supports heart movement, homeostasis, and immune responses. However, despite its critical roles, the developmental origins of the pericardium remain uncertain due to disparate models. Here, using live imaging, lineage tracking, and single-cell transcriptomics in zebrafish, we find the pericardium forms within the lateral plate mesoderm from dedicated anterior mesothelial progenitors and distinct from the classic heart field.

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Background: Studies on Mass drug administration (MDA) in Ghana targeting various diseases, have mostly focused on factors that affect coverage and compliance to MDA with limited focus on evidence regarding awareness and community perception of the program. Therefore, this study sought to provide empirical evidence on the knowledge of onchocerciasis, and awareness of and participation in the MDA among community members.

Methods: A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted from August to October 2019 in communities within the Atwima Nwabiagya North District, Ghana.

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Heart failure (HF) is a complex and multifactorial disease. Recent advances have been made in understanding the underlying molecular processes involved in HF pathogenesis. These scientific advancements have brought to light the importance of the secretome.

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Background: Rural areas in sub-Saharan Africa face a high prevalence and morbidity of skin disease while also lacking access to dermatologists. In Ghana, where approximately 25 licensed dermatologists are available for 25 million people, community pharmacies, called over-the-counter medical sellers (OTCMS), were established to respond to accessibility inequities, albeit without equitable training.

Objective: Our study evaluates the dermatologic knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of OTCMS in Ghana's Ashanti Region.

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Article Synopsis
  • * The study involved 3080 participants aged 18 and over, revealing a hypertension prevalence of 27.3%, with most being unaware of their condition and nearly half of those on medication not being adequately controlled.
  • * Key predictors of hypertension included older age and high body mass index, emphasizing the need for population-based health programs like MMM to inform public health policies aimed at reducing hypertension rates.
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Objectives: Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular mortality globally and in Ghana. May Measurement Month (MMM) is a global awareness and screening campaign initiated by the International Society of Hypertension.

Methods: Participants were recruited by opportunist sampling in the Ashanti region of Ghana.

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Introduction: Achieving high Mass Drug Administration (MDA) coverage and drug uptake are pivotal in the efforts to eradicate onchocerciasis. The present study investigated the extent and predictors of ivermectin MDA coverage and uptake from the individual and healthcare providers' perspectives. The extent of ivermectin distribution and uptake, and the predictors of distribution and uptake were investigated in endemic communities in the Ashanti Region of Ghana.

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Raised blood pressure (BP) remains the biggest single risk factor contributing to the global burden of disease and to global mortality. Although a substantial number of people who have hypertension are either oblivious of it, not treated, or being managed but remain uncontrolled. May Measurement Month (MMM) is a global initiative led by the International Society of Hypertension (ISH) with the goal of increasing awareness of high BP and serving as a spur to establish screening programmes worldwide.

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Elevated blood pressure (BP) is one of the leading risk factors for death and disability globally. It is also an important global health challenge because of its high prevalence and resulting morbidities. Albeit, a substantial number of people who have hypertension are either oblivious of it, not treated, or being managed but remain uncontrolled.

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