Publications by authors named "Stephen O Afriyie"

Article Synopsis
  • Accurate diagnosis and timely treatment of malaria are essential, with 449 samples screened for Plasmodium falciparum infection using various methods, including microscopy, qPCR, and three rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs).
  • The results showed that 45.7% of individuals tested positive for P. falciparum via qPCR, with the sensitivity of the RDTs significantly higher than microscopy, especially when sample parasite densities exceeded 20 parasites/μL.
  • The Biocredit and NxTek RDTs demonstrated similar diagnostic effectiveness, outperforming microscopy, while all three RDTs maintained high specificity of over 95%.
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Article Synopsis
  • The study focuses on identifying risk factors and clinical characteristics of seasonal meningitis outbreaks in Ghana’s Upper West Region, which lies within the African meningitis belt.
  • A case-control study was conducted with laboratory-confirmed meningitis cases and matched controls to explore associations with demographic, clinical, and lifestyle factors.
  • Key findings revealed that exposure to tobacco smoke, overcrowded living conditions, and the presence of sore throat infections were significant risk factors, while the most common symptoms among patients were headache, fever, and neck pain.
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Sensitive and accurate malaria diagnosis is required for case management to accelerate control efforts. Diagnosis is particularly challenging where multiple Plasmodium species are endemic, and where P. falciparum hrp2/3 deletions are frequent.

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Background: Accurate diagnosis and timely treatment are crucial in combating malaria.

Methods: We evaluated the diagnostic performance of three Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) in diagnosing febrile patients, namely: Abbott NxTek Eliminate Malaria Ag Pf (detecting HRP2), Rapigen Biocredit Malaria Ag Pf (detecting HRP2 and LDH on separate bands), and SD Bioline Malaria Ag Pf (detecting HRP2). Results were compared to qPCR.

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In this work, we have developed a paper-based microfluidic device capable of remote biofluid collection followed by an analysis of the dried clinical samples using a miniature mass spectrometer. We have evaluated a portable mass spectrometer as a possible surveillance platform by analyzing the clinical malaria samples (whole blood) collected from Ghana. We synthesized pH-sensitive ionic probes and coupled them with monoclonal antibodies specific to the histidine-rich protein 2 (HRP2) malaria antigen.

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Background: This paper aims to investigate the effects of corporate governance mechanisms on the financial performance of hospitals. The statement, "good corporate governance" has been incorporated in the health care sector over the last decade, as an element to improve financial performance.

Methods: The researchers relied on both primary and secondary data in the study.

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Background: The research aims to study the impact of corporate governance on hospital performance regarding HIV and malaria control, using the Ghana health industry as a case. The nation is making frantic effort to control HIV and malaria, since they continue to be among the deadliest diseases that attract holistic attention; hence, there is the need to put structures in place to curb the spread.

Methods: A total of 1005 precoded questionnaires were administered to 125 hospitals, for responses from staff, managers, board, and chief executive officers (CEOs).

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Internal controls are critical to guarding an institution against fraud, error, and devastation. They are effective tools for preventing losses and achieving organizational goals. However, internal control mechanisms need to be relevant, because the organization cannot comprehend the effectiveness of the system if they are out-of-touch with the operation.

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This research reviews and analyses the environmental catastrophes in China with regard to its adherence of global environmental policies and practices. The research makes available evidence of the present policy regime and institutions, strategies for curbing emission, environmental legislations and regulations and measures to provide a sustainable environment for the present and future generations. This paper reviewed how the environment is affected by the emissions.

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