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Kubi JA, Brah AS, Cheung KMC, Lee YL, Lee KF, Sze SCW, Qiao W, Yeung KWK. A new osteogenic protein isolated from Dioscorea opposita Thunb accelerates bone defect healing through the mTOR signaling axis. Bioact Mater 2023; 27:429-446. [PMID: 37152710 PMCID: PMC10160600 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Delayed bone defect repairs lead to severe health and socioeconomic impacts on patients. Hence, there are increasing demands for medical interventions to promote bone defect healing. Recombinant proteins such as BMP-2 have been recognized as one of the powerful osteogenic substances that promote mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to osteoblast differentiation and are widely applied clinically for bone defect repairs. However, recent reports show that BMP-2 treatment has been associated with clinical adverse side effects such as ectopic bone formation, osteolysis and stimulation of inflammation. Here, we have identified one new osteogenic protein, named 'HKUOT-S2' protein, from Dioscorea opposita Thunb. Using the bone defect model, we have shown that the HKUOT-S2 protein can accelerate bone defect repair by activating the mTOR signaling axis of MSCs-derived osteoblasts and increasing osteoblastic biomineralization. The HKUOT-S2 protein can also modulate the transcriptomic changes of macrophages, stem cells, and osteoblasts, thereby enhancing the crosstalk between the polarized macrophages and MSCs-osteoblast differentiation to facilitate osteogenesis. Furthermore, this protein had no toxic effects in vivo. We have also identified HKUOT-S2 peptide sequence TKSSLPGQTK as a functional osteogenic unit that can promote osteoblast differentiation in vitro. The HKUOT-S2 protein with robust osteogenic activity could be a potential alternative osteoanabolic agent for promoting osteogenesis and bone defect repairs. We believe that the HKUOT-S2 protein may potentially be applied clinically as a new class of osteogenic agent for bone defect healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Akrofi Kubi
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong (HKU), Hong Kong S.A.R., PR China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Innovative Technology in Orthopaedic Trauma, HKU-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518053, PR China
| | - Augustine Suurinobah Brah
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong (HKU), Hong Kong S.A.R., PR China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Innovative Technology in Orthopaedic Trauma, HKU-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518053, PR China
| | - Kenneth Man Chee Cheung
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong (HKU), Hong Kong S.A.R., PR China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Innovative Technology in Orthopaedic Trauma, HKU-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518053, PR China
| | - Yin Lau Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, HKU, 21 Sassoon Road, Hong Kong S.A.R, PR China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, HKU- Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, PR China
| | - Kai-Fai Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, HKU, 21 Sassoon Road, Hong Kong S.A.R, PR China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, HKU- Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, PR China
| | - Stephen Cho Wing Sze
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong S.A.R, PR China
- Golden Meditech Center for NeuroRegeneration Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong S.A.R, PR China
| | - Wei Qiao
- Applied Oral Sciences and Community Dental Care, Faculty of Dentistry, Hong Kong S.A.R, PR China
| | - Kelvin Wai-Kwok Yeung
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong (HKU), Hong Kong S.A.R., PR China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Innovative Technology in Orthopaedic Trauma, HKU-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518053, PR China
- Corresponding author.Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong (HKU), Hong Kong S.A.R, PR China
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Tang SW, Kwok SH, Li X, Tang KH, Kubi JA, Brah AS, Yeung K, Dong M, Lam YW. A new class of antimicrobial therapeutics targeting the envelope stress response of Gram-negative bacteria: abridged secondary publication. Hong Kong Med J 2023; 29 Suppl 4:39-44. [PMID: 37690807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- S W Tang
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - S H Kwok
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - X Li
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - K H Tang
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - J A Kubi
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - A S Brah
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - K Yeung
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - M Dong
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Y W Lam
- School of Applied Science, University of Huddersfield, United Kingdom
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Akrasi W, Brah AS, Essuman MA, Osei V, Boye A. Adverse drug effects among students following mass de-worming exercise involving administration of Praziquantel and Albendazole in KEEA Municipality, Ghana. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010680. [PMID: 36094964 PMCID: PMC9499283 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
To manage the deleterious effects of parasitic infections such as lymphatic filariasis (LF) and schistosomiasis among school children, most countries including Ghana make use of mass drug administration (MDA). Although MDA has proven effective in reducing worm burden, unfortunately adverse drug effects (ADEs) post-MDA are derailing the gains and also remain poorly monitored. The study assessed incidence and factors associated with ADEs among students following a school-based mass de-worming exercise involving administration of Praziquantel (PZQT) and Albendazole (ADZ) against LF and SCH at Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abirem (KEEA) Municipal.
Methodology
After fulfilling all ethical obligations, a total of 598 students aged 5–20 years who received PZQT or ADZ monotherapy or a combination of the two (PZQT + ADZ) as part of the mass de-worming exercise were recruited through quota and random sampling. Bodyweight and height of students were measured and body mass index (BMI) calculated. Students were orally interviewed to obtain information such as age, sex, intake of diet before taking drugs. Subsequently, students were monitored over 24 hours post-MDA for cases of ADEs. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis using SPSS version 26 was used to describe data collected and to determine associations between incidence of ADEs and predictor variables.
Principal findings
Out of the 598 students, 243 (40.64%) represented by 124 males (51.03%) and 119 females (48.97%) with mean (SD) age of 13.43 (2.74) years experienced one or more forms of ADE. In decreasing order, the detected ADEs included headache (64.6%), Abdominal pain (48.6%), fever (30.0%), diarrhea (21.4%) and itching (12.8%). Multivariable statistical analysis showed that age 5–9 years (OR: 2.01, p = 0.041) and underweight (OR: 2.02, p = 0.038) were associated with incidence of ADEs. Compared with students who received combination therapy, students who received ADZ only (OR: 0.05, p < 0.001) and PZQT only (OR: 0.26, p < 0.001) had low cases of ADEs. Gender and diet intake before MDA were not associated with ADE incidence.
Conclusion
ADE incidence was common among students in the KEEA municipality. Age, underweight, and double dosing were associated with increase in ADE incidence, while gender and food intake were not associated with increase in ADE incidence. The Disease Control Unit of the Ghana Health Service should incorporate stringent ADE monitoring in post-MDA surveillance in the National MDA program in order to be able to detect, manage and report ADEs to inform planning for future MDA programs. Such initiatives will help not only in improving effectiveness of MDA programs but also identify high risk groups and exact strategies to reduce negative influence of ADE on MDA coverage and anthelminthic drug compliance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wisdom Akrasi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Augustine Suurinobah Brah
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Mainprice Akuoko Essuman
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Viona Osei
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Alex Boye
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
- * E-mail:
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Kyei-Barffour I, Kwarkoh RKB, Acheampong DO, Brah AS, Akwetey SA, Aboagye B. Alkaloidal extract from Carica papaya seeds ameliorates CCl 4-induced hepatocellular carcinoma in rats. Heliyon 2021; 7:e07849. [PMID: 34471716 PMCID: PMC8387916 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third cause of cancer-related mortality globally. However, available treatments are expensive and are associated with adverse effects or poor treatment outcomes in advanced disease. Meanwhile, plants like Carica papaya have demonstrated various biological activities that further studies may lead to the identification of newer and safer treatment options for HCC. Aim To evaluate the anticancer activity of an alkaloidal extract derived from Carica papaya seeds using rodent models of HCC. Experimental procedure Carica Papaya fruits were collected and authenticated. The seeds were isolated and air-dried. Alkaloidal extract was prepared from a 70% ethanol soxhlet crude extract and referred to as Carica papaya alkaloidal extract (CPAE). HCC was induced in 68 out of 84 healthy male Sprague Dawley rats by intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) for 16 weeks. These rats were put into five groups of 10; Carica papaya alkaloidal extract [(CPAE) (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg), Lenvatinib (4 mg/kg)], 1% dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO), and 2 untreated groups (control and model). A prophylaxis study was performed with 10 rats by co-administration of CPAE (200 mg/kg) and CCl4 six hours apart for 16 weeks. Rats were sacrificed after a twelve-week treatment program under anesthesia for histological, hematological, and biochemical analyses. Results and conclusion CPAE (100 and 200 mg/kg) significantly restored weight loss (48.44 and 51.75% respectively), reduced tumor multiplicity, and dose-dependently reversed liver histomorphological changes induced by CCl4 compared to the model group. The CPAE (100 and 200 mg/kg) further reduced bleeding time, improved prothrombin time and restored platelet count (p < 0.01) compared to the model. The CPAE (200 mg/kg) again significantly (p < 0.0001) reduced serum alpha-fetoprotein levels compared to the model group and prevented the establishment of HCC in rats when concerrently administered with CCl4 in 16 weeks prophylactic study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac Kyei-Barffour
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Roselind Kyei Baah Kwarkoh
- Department of Physician Assistant Studies, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Desmond Omane Acheampong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Augustine Suurinobah Brah
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Samuel Addo Akwetey
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Benjamin Aboagye
- Department of Forensic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, College of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana
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Kyei-Barffour I, Kwarkoh RKB, Arthur OD, Akwetey SA, Acheampong DO, Aboagye B, Brah AS, Amponsah IK, Adokoh CK. Alkaloidal extract from Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides stimulates insulin secretion in normoglycemic and nicotinamide/streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Heliyon 2021; 7:e07452. [PMID: 34278033 PMCID: PMC8267442 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Increase in the prevalence of type-2 diabetes in Sub-Sahara Africa has created the need for robust treatment and management programs. However, an effective diabetes management program requires a high annual budget that most countries in this region cannot afford. That said, various plants and plant products in this region have either been confirmed and/or ethnopharmacologically used for the management of type-2 diabetes. Aim To investigate the antidiabetic and insulin secretory effects of an alkaloidal extract derived from Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides in normoglycemic and experimental diabetic rats. Materials and methods Alkaloidal extract was prepared from leaves of Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides (ZZAE). Nicotinamide/streptozotocin-induced type-2 diabetes was modeled in male Sprague Dawley rats weighing between 130 to 150 g. The experimental diabetic rats were grouped into six treatment groups [Model, 20% Tween20, chlorpropamide, and ZZAE (50, 100, and 150 mg/kg)], and one control group. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), and body weight were measured weekly. Rats were sacrificed 2 days after treatment under chloroform anesthesia to collect blood samples and to isolate major organs for biochemical, and histological analyses respectively. Islets of Langerhans were isolated from normoglycemic rats and co-cultured with ZZAE and chlorpropamide (10 μg/mL) to assess the insulin secretory effect of ZZAE. Results ZZAE improved glucose kinetics curve in normoglycemic (p < 0.001) and experimental diabetic rats (p < 0.05) compared to the model. ZZAE (100 and 150 mg/kg) restored islets population, and improved kidney, and liver, histoarchitecture. ZZAE (150 mg/kg) improved post-treatment serum insulin levels compared to the model group (p < 0.001) and the Chlorpropamide group (p < 0.05). ZZAE also restored glycogen synthesis in skeletal muscles of experimental diabetic rats and stimulated insulin secretion in pancreatic islets of Langerhans isolated from normoglycemic rats. Conclusion These results showed that ZZAE has active alkaloids that can be explored for diabetes management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac Kyei-Barffour
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana
- Corresponding author.
| | - Roselind Kyei Baah Kwarkoh
- Department of Physician Assistant Studies, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Ophelia Duke Arthur
- Department of Medical Laboratory and Diagnostics, Euracare Advance Diagnostic Center, Labone, Accra, Ghana
| | - Samuel Addo Akwetey
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Desmond Omane Acheampong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Benjamin Aboagye
- Department of Forensic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Augustine Suurinobah Brah
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Isaac Kingsley Amponsah
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kwame Unkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Christian Kweku Adokoh
- Department of Forensic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana
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Boye A, Acheampong DO, Gyamerah EO, Asiamah EA, Addo JK, Mensah DA, Brah AS, Ayiku PJ. Glucose lowering and pancreato-protective effects of Abrus Precatorius (L.) leaf extract in normoglycemic and STZ/Nicotinamide - Induced diabetic rats. J Ethnopharmacol 2020; 258:112918. [PMID: 32360561 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.112918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/25/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Abrus precatorius (L.) leaves are used as folk medicine by the local communities in the western region of Ghana to treat diabetes mellitus; however, this health claim remains unverified scientifically. OBJECTIVE The study investigated glucose lowering and pancreato-protective effects of Abrus precatorius leaf extract (APLE) in normoglycemic and STZ/nicotinamide (NIC)-induced diabetic rats. METHOD after preparation of APLE, it was subjected to phytochemical screening, proximate composition and elemental assessments by using standard methods. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and maltose, lactose and sucrose oral challenge were assessed in normoglycemic rats post-APLE. Morphological characteristics of glucose response curve (time of glucose peak and shape of glucose response curve) were determined. Subsequently, diabetes mellitus was experimentally established in normoglycaemic adult Sprague-Dawley rats (weighing 150-250 g) of both sexes by sequential injection of Streptozotocin (STZ, 60 mg/kg ip)-reconstituted in sodium citrate buffer and NIC (110 mg/kg ip)-reconstituted in normal saline (1:1 v/v) for 16 weeks. Except control rats (normal saline 5 ml/kg ip; baseline fasting blood glucose [FBG] of 6.48 mmol/L), rats having FBG (stable at 11.1 mmol/L or ≥ 250 mg/dL) 3 days post-STZ/NIC injection were randomly re-assigned to one of the following groups: model (STZ/NIC-induced diabetic rats), APLE (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg respectively po) and metformin (300 mg/kg po) and treated daily for 28 days. Bodyweight and FBG were measured on weekly basis. FBG was measured by using standard glucometers. On day 28, rats were sacrificed under chloroform anesthesia, blood collected via cardiac puncture; kidney, liver and pancreas surgically harvested. While the pancreas was processed, sectioned and H&E-stained for histological examination, fresh kidney and liver were homogenized for assessment of total anti-oxidant capacity. Median cross-sectional area of pancreatic islets of Langerhans was determined for each group by using Amscope. RESULTS Cumulatively, APLE (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg respectively) dose-dependently decreased the initial FBG by 55.22, 76.15 and 77.77% respectively compared to model (-1.04%) and metformin (72.29%) groups. APLE treatment recovered damaged pancreatic β-cells and also increased median cross-sectional area (x106 μm2) of pancreatic islets compared to that of model group. APLE significantly (P < 0.05) increased total anti-oxidant capacity (5.21 ± 0.02 AscAE μg/mL) of plasma, kidney and liver compared to model (4.06 ± 0.04 AscAE μg/mL) and metformin (4.87 ± 0.03 AscAE μg/mL) groups. CONCLUSION APLE has demonstrated glucose lowering and pancreato-protective effects in rats and arrested the characteristic loss in bodyweight associated with diabetes mellitus. This finding preliminarily confirms folk use of APLE as an anti-diabetic herbal medicine, whiles providing a rationale for further translational studies on APLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Boye
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana.
| | - Desmond Omane Acheampong
- Department of Biomedical Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Eric Ofori Gyamerah
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Ernest Amponsah Asiamah
- Departments of Forensic Science, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Justice Kwaku Addo
- Department of Chemistry, School of Physical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Derrick Addae Mensah
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Augustine Suurinobah Brah
- Department of Biomedical Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Philippa Jennifer Ayiku
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
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