Island ecosystems support diverse aquatic invertebrate communities comprising endemic taxa.Documentation of existing species is important for conservation.In this study,a checklist of marine opisthobranch from the Rep...Island ecosystems support diverse aquatic invertebrate communities comprising endemic taxa.Documentation of existing species is important for conservation.In this study,a checklist of marine opisthobranch from the Republic of Mauritius is presented.A combination of benthic surveys(50 m×5 m in triplicates),rover diving techniques and photo documentation were used over two years(2018–2020)within 35 sheltered and unsheltered lagoons.Morphological and molecular analysis were used for identification.Species composition within sheltered and unsheltered areas in Mauritius was estimated using the Bray-Curtis similarity.The checklist featured 117 species belonging to 61 genera and 28families,of which 13 are new records.The findings increased the knowledge of opisthobranch diversity from the Mauritius by 15.4%.Among the listed species,the distribution range of Cyerce nigra,Actinocyclus papillatus,and Phyllidia picta extended from the Western Pacific to the South Western Indian Ocean.Molecular analysis of the undescribed Gymnodoris sp.showed it resembled Gymnodoris sp.from Hawaii and were different by a genetic distance value of 10.6%.The species richness and evenness were higher within the sheltered regions of Mauritius which harboured the food resource of opisthobranch.These areas as compared to unsheltered regions were heavily populated,suggesting the probable influence of wave actions on opisthobranch diversity and abundance.The order Nudibranchia was reported as most speciose,with 86 species.The Sacoglossa and Nudibranchia were observed only on macroalgae and sponges respectively.High abundance was also recorded on shipwrecks which are the most common form of artificial reefs.With the inclusion of observations from previous studies,201species belonging to 94 genera and 36 families are now known from the Mauritius.展开更多
Coula edulis is non-timber forest product (NTFP) used in Africa for its hazelnuts, which contain edible seeds with a demonstrated nutritional potential. However, there have been very few scientific studies of this spe...Coula edulis is non-timber forest product (NTFP) used in Africa for its hazelnuts, which contain edible seeds with a demonstrated nutritional potential. However, there have been very few scientific studies of this species in the Republic of Congo. Thus, the aim of the current study was therefore to determine the fatty acid composition of the oil extracted from Coula edulis hazelnut seeds collected at random in the Republic of Congo. The oil was extracted using the Soxhlet method and its fatty acid composition was determined by gas chromatography. The extracted oil from Coula edulis hazelnut kernels is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (95.28%), particularly oleic acid (94.5%), which classifies it as an oleic oil and gives it interesting nutritional and therapeutic properties. On the other hand, saturated fatty acids (4.15%) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (0.35%) are not well represented. Its low poly-unsaturated fatty acid content makes it more stable when stored at room temperature.展开更多
In Africa, each year, there are estimated to be more than 91 million cases of salmonellosis and 137,000 cases of death. The problem of antibiotic resistance in Salmonella strains is a threat to public health. The obje...In Africa, each year, there are estimated to be more than 91 million cases of salmonellosis and 137,000 cases of death. The problem of antibiotic resistance in Salmonella strains is a threat to public health. The objective of this study is to evaluate the antibiotic resistance profile of Salmonella strains isolated in biological products analyzed at the National Laboratory of Clinical Biology and Public Health (NLCBPH) in Bangui. This is, therefore, a cross-sectional study with a descriptive aim, running from January to December 2022. It focused on the strains of Salmonella isolated and identified in stools, urines, and blood samples. For each strain of Salmonella isolated, an antibiogram was carried out following the recommendations of the French Society of Microbiology (CASFM, 2022). A total of 93 strains of Salmonella have been recorded. The age group 0 - 9 years was 29% and that of >50 years was 11%. The median age of patients was 30 years with a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 78 years. The female gender was more represented at 52.69% than the male gender at 47.31%, i.e. a sex ratio of 0.89 (M/F). Salmonella strains were much more isolated in stools at 62% followed by urines at 29% and blood at 6%. Salmonella arizonae strains were more represented with 52%. Salmonella strains have a resistance rate to Tetracycline of 62.37% followed by Penicillins of 50%. The rate of multi-antibiotic resistance of the Salmonella strains isolated represented 48.38%. Salmonella spp. strains were multi-resistant at 58.69% followed by Salmonella arizonae strains at 47.91%. There is a significant association between the different families of antibiotics and Salmonella strains (p < 0.05). According to the results obtained, Penicillins, Phenicoles, and Cyclins had a high rate of resistance on Salmonella strains. No strain-producing Broad Spectrum Beta-lactamase has been isolated. Salmonella strains represent a zoonotic health danger, constitute a public health problem and remain a current subject. This germ is resistant to the antibiotics used. It is, therefore, essential to emphasize monitoring the resistance of these germs in the Central African Republic (CAR) to improve the health of the population.展开更多
Introduction: Acute rheumatic fever (AAR) is a non-suppurative complication of late infection by group A. Infections due to streptococci remain a public health problem in the Central African Republic. The present stud...Introduction: Acute rheumatic fever (AAR) is a non-suppurative complication of late infection by group A. Infections due to streptococci remain a public health problem in the Central African Republic. The present study aims to determine the incidence rate of AAR cases and its complications. Methodology: This was a retrospective and analytical study over a period of 4 years (from January 2015 to December 2018) at the National Laboratory of Clinical Biology and Public Health (LNBCSP) in Bangui. It focused on samples concerning the diagnosis of AAR and patient files seen in consultation in the capital’s reference health establishments. Laboratory registers and patient consultation files were used to collect data. They were entered into Excel 2010 to be analyzed with Epi Info 7. A univariate analysis by logistic regression, Ficher’s exact test, and chi<sup>2</sup> at the 5% threshold (p Results: We analyzed 94 cases meeting Jones’s criteria. The ages of the patients ranged from 18 to 85 years (mean age 52 years and mode 45 years). The incidence rate of AAR for the female sex was higher than that of the male sex during the study period (p > 0.05). It went from 166.6 in 2015 to 200 in 2016 and 2018 cases of AAR per 1000 people per year. The average incidence rate was 296.18 cases of AAR per 1000 people per year. The average incidence rate was 223.5 cases of AAR per 1000 people per year for joint damage. Joint damage represented 80.85% (RR = 0.62;Chi<sup>2</sup> = 4.88;95% CI [0.39-0.97];p Conclusion: The study allowed data on the impact rate and complications of the AAR in Bangui. Special attention to data management will help produce a complete result on the problem. Joint complications predominated. Sustaining an effective surveillance system and preventing infection would help reduce the risk of AAR occurrence.展开更多
This article presents a fuzzy logic-based approach to coordinate the control devices of the power system, such as Power System Stabilizers (PSS) and Static Synchronous Compensators (STATCOM), to damp power oscillation...This article presents a fuzzy logic-based approach to coordinate the control devices of the power system, such as Power System Stabilizers (PSS) and Static Synchronous Compensators (STATCOM), to damp power oscillations caused by dynamic disturbances. At first, we used the Lyapunov method to study the dynamic stability of the power grid in the Republic of Congo. This method allowed us to analyze the eigenvalues of the state variable matrix and highlight the eigenvalues in the complex plane. Secondly, we proposed a fuzzy logic-based controller to account for uncertainties existing near the thresholds. The inputs to this controller are the generator speed and generator rotor angle. We demonstrated the effectiveness and feasibility of this fuzzy control by applying it to the power grid of the Republic of Congo, with three power stabilizers and two STATCOMs. .展开更多
Lithological, petrographic, and morphoscopic studies were conducted on cuttings and cores from three boreholes drilled in the Loemé salt, Kanga site, Republic of the Congo, to determine 1) the preferential condit...Lithological, petrographic, and morphoscopic studies were conducted on cuttings and cores from three boreholes drilled in the Loemé salt, Kanga site, Republic of the Congo, to determine 1) the preferential conditions for crystallization of carnallite and associated salts and 2) to reconstruct paleoenvironmental and paleoclimatic conditions at the time of sedimentation. Sequential analysis of logs, sedimentary structures, carnallitite facies and associated salts concluded to the existence of a potassic carnallitite lagoon basin with low water cover, on a very wide and extensive plateau, affected by coastal waves and swells resulting from successive collapses. This basin evolved in two phases: confined and then open. The regular stratifications of halite, the rhythmicity of the halite-carnallitite elementary sequences are characteristic of salts that precipitated in relatively stable brines. These salts are therefore tectonosedimentary. The brecciated facies of the carnallitites sometimes associated with tachyhydrite result from the evolution of these deposits into salt crusts reworked by the surges into subaquatic allochemical gravelly cords under water. These crusts mark stages of partial and complete drying of the basin in a very hot and arid climate. Prolonged exposure of halite brines as well as their homogenization by surges accelerated evaporation and their abrupt evolution into carnallite brines obstructing the fossilization of sylvite. The precipitation of tachyhydrite marks the final stage of the successive complete drying of the basin.展开更多
The Sangha River basin is the largest sub-basin of the Congo River basin, which drains the northern part of the Republic of the Congo-Brazzaville. It is the most important economic zone in this part of the country, wi...The Sangha River basin is the largest sub-basin of the Congo River basin, which drains the northern part of the Republic of the Congo-Brazzaville. It is the most important economic zone in this part of the country, with a strong timber industry, agriculture and hydroelectricity. The catchment also boasts the country’s third-largest river port, located in the town of Ouesso. Unfortunately, increasingly frequent low-water levels in recent years have led to a decline in river navigation and economic activities. So, the aim of this study is to show the effects of climate change over the last six decades in the Sangha watershed at Ouesso hydrological station, located in the north of the Republic of the Congo-Brazzaville, and elucidate its impact on water resources. To achieve this, several statistical and hydrological methods were used. The application of change-point or shift detection tests to flow series from 1961 to 2020 revealed variability in the hydrological cycle, characterized by two major phases of homogeneous flows: a wet surplus phase and a dry deficit phase. The results show one shift in flood flows in 1971 (Buishand test), one shift in yearly average flows or modules in 1971 (Pettitt test and Buishand test), and one shift in low-water flows in 1976, with all two tests. These disruptions were accompanied by a drop in flow of around 15.63%, 21.70% and 35.67%, on average, for floods, modules, and low-water, respectively, a drop in rainfall of around 9.6% and a rise in temperature of around 0.76?C. These flows show an overall downward trend. The calculated recession coefficients show that, over the entire study period, a recession occurred in March 1985.展开更多
Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a set of peri-articular conditions that result mainly in pain and functional discomfort. They represent a major occupational health problem in all areas of activity. ...Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a set of peri-articular conditions that result mainly in pain and functional discomfort. They represent a major occupational health problem in all areas of activity. The objective of this work was to determine the prevalence of MSDs among street vendors in the city of Bangui in the Central African Republic (CAR). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 01 to October 31, 2021 in Bangui, the capital of CAR. The study population consisted of street vendors which were included at the entrance of 4 large markets of Bangui after giving informed consent. The sample size, calculated according to the Schwartz formula, was 384. Sociodemographic data (age, gender, level of education, marital status), professional data (the duration of sale in hours, the distance traveled per day);and health data (the health problems suffered by itinerant sellers and the means of dealing with them) were collected using a pre-established self-questionnaire. This collected data was processed using Microsoft Excel 2013 and Epi-Info version 7 software. Results: Among 384 street vendors included, women represented a quarter (24.9%). The average age was 27 years;the 25-34 age group was the most represented (50%). About two-thirds (64.8%) sold for at least 12 hours and traveled more than 10 km (69.3%) per day. The main health problems reported by street vendors were musculoskeletal disorders (95.8%). Their locations concerned the upper limbs shoulder 65.36% (251), elbow 24.22% (93). Non-ergonomic postures that stress the back and joints all day long, causing pain are risk factors for MSDs. These MSDs were treated by self-medication with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (22.0%), mainly sold on the street. Conclusion: MSDs dominated the health problems of street vendors. These problems raise the need for recognition and support for these workers to optimize their performance while preserving their health through awareness and good management of MSDs whose chronicity generates a disability.展开更多
Background and Objective: Purulent meningitis is a therapeutic emergency and remains a real public health problem in the world, particularly in limited resources countries. The study aimed to describe the epidemiologi...Background and Objective: Purulent meningitis is a therapeutic emergency and remains a real public health problem in the world, particularly in limited resources countries. The study aimed to describe the epidemiological clinical, etiological and scalable features of purulent meningitis in children in Bria. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2019 (24 months). It included all suspected cases of purulent meningitis in children aged 0 to 15 years, confirmed by agglutination with Pastorex meningitis. A standard sheet was used to collect the data which was entered and analyzed on Epi Info 7 software. Results: A total of 37 cases of purulent meningitis were confirmed among 90 suspected cases. The female gender predominated (59.5%), with a sex ratio of 0.7. The age group from 0 to 11 months was majority (48.6%). Nearly 2 thirds of children were not vaccinated (64.8%). The most frequent functional signs were fever (83.8%), and convulsion (51.4%). The etiologies were Streptococcus (51.4%), Neisseria meningitidis (35.1%) and Haemophilus influenzae (13.5%). Therapeutic success under 3rd generation cephalosporin treatment was obtained in 86.5% including 8.1% with sequelae;13.5% of death was observed. Streptococcus was the most lethal bacterium at 21.1%. Conclusion: The results of these studies show that pediatric purulent meningitis is still common despite the availability of free vaccination. They require early therapeutic management to limit the occurrence of sequelae and death. Hence, it is important to strengthen prevention strategies.展开更多
Introduction: Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection is the most common bacterial infection in the world. World Health Organization has classified this bacterium as a Class I carcinogen. The objective of this work is to s...Introduction: Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection is the most common bacterial infection in the world. World Health Organization has classified this bacterium as a Class I carcinogen. The objective of this work is to study the epidemiological, clinical and pathological aspects of Helicobacter pylori infection among adults in a digestive endoscopy unit and the pathological anatomy service of Parakou. Patients and Methods: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study conducted from January 2020 to September 2020 in the digestive endoscopy unit and pathological anatomy service at the Departmental University Hospital Center of Borgou. Patients aged 18 years and older, who had undergone a gastroscopy with biopsies and who gave their oral consent were included. Three antral biopsies and two fundic biopsies were performed. The search for Hp was done under an optical microscope after staining with hematoxylin eosin. Results: A total of 151 patients were included and 51.66% were infected with Hp. Their average age was 40.63 ± 15.32 years and the sex ratio was 0.9. Epigastric pain was the most reported symptom (71.01%). Endoscopically, the prevalence of erythematous gastropathy was 98.72%. The study of chronic Hp gastritis according to Sydney system had shown signs of activity in 100% of patients with Hp and glandular atrophy in 83.33% of them. Intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia accounted for 24.35% and 29.48% of cases, respectively. Factors associated with Hp infection were: absence of proton pump inhibitor intake prior to examination, absence of handwashing with soap and water before eating, erythematous aspect of gastritis on gastroscopy, absence of intestinal metaplasia of the fundus, active and chronic aspects of gastritis on histology. Conclusion: The frequency of Hp infection in hospitals among adults admitted to the Digestive Endoscopy Unit of Parakou is high. To reduce this prevalence, it will be necessary to act on the factors identified.展开更多
To improve the management of patients with heart failure and anemia at the University Hospital of Brazzaville, a cross-sectional study of patients diagnosed with heart failure condition (left or global heart failure) ...To improve the management of patients with heart failure and anemia at the University Hospital of Brazzaville, a cross-sectional study of patients diagnosed with heart failure condition (left or global heart failure) was conducted over a period of nine months from January 1 to September 30, 2017. A total of 171 patients were included during the study period. Study participants were divided into two groups: Group A included patients with an additional anemic condition (n = 57) and Group NA patients without anemia (n = 114). Anemia was defined as a hemoglobin rate of < 12 g/dL for men and <11 g/dL for women. All eligible patients admitted to the Department of Cardiology were included in the study. The frequency of anemia was 33.3%, with a mean hemoglobin level of 9.4 ± 1.5 g/dL. Men accounted for 46.9% of cases (n = 79) and women 53.8% (n = 92). The mean age of eligible patients was 57.5 ± 16.5 years. Of these, 46.2% (n = 75) had a secondary educational level and 53.8% (n = 92) had a low socioeconomic status. Heart failure was global in 153 cases (89.5%). Patients were on NYHA III-IV functional class in 112 cases (65.5%), with a statistically significant difference between anemic and non-anemic patients (p = 0.0001). The main underlying heart diseases were dilated cardiomyopathy (75.1%), hypertensive heart disease (10.5%), ischemic heart disease (6.5%), and valvular disease (4.7%). The comparison between the two groups (A and NA) showed a longer hospital length of stay (18.4 ± 8.9 versus 12.9 ± 7.6 days;p = 0.00001) and a higher mortality rate (4 versus 2 deaths). The re-hospitalization rate was more important in group A (n = 4) than in group NA (n = 1). Anemia is a common condition in patients with heart failure. It worsens the clinical features and prognosis.展开更多
BACKGROUND Cancer diagnosis is increasing around the world and in the Democratic Republic of the Congo(DRC).The proportion of thyroid cancer has increased over the past three decades.There are very few studies on canc...BACKGROUND Cancer diagnosis is increasing around the world and in the Democratic Republic of the Congo(DRC).The proportion of thyroid cancer has increased over the past three decades.There are very few studies on cancer epidemiology,and in particular on thyroid cancer in the DRC.AIM To establish the most recent proportion of thyroid cancer in the DRC compared to other cancers.METHODS This is a retrospective and descriptive study of 6106 consecutive cancer cases listed in the pathological registers of 4 Laboratories in the city of Kinshasa.This study included all cancer cases recorded in the registers between 2005 and 2019.RESULTS From a sample of 6106 patients,including all cancer types,68.3%cases were female and 31.7%were male.Breast and cervical cancer were the most common types of cancer in women and,prostate and skin cancer were the most common types in men.Thyroid cancer was sixth in proportion in women and eleventh in men compared to all cancers.Papillary carcinoma was the most common of thyroid cancers.Rare cancers such as anaplastic and medullary thyroid carcinomas had a proportion of 7%and 2%,respectively.CONCLUSION Newer diagnostic tools led to a surge in cancer diagnoses in the DRC.Thyroid cancer has more than doubled its proportion over the last several decades in the country.展开更多
Roadside trees are effective natural solutions for mitigating climate change. Despite the usefulness of trees to carbon sequestration, there is a dearth of information on the estimation of biomass and carbon stock for...Roadside trees are effective natural solutions for mitigating climate change. Despite the usefulness of trees to carbon sequestration, there is a dearth of information on the estimation of biomass and carbon stock for roadside trees in the study area. This study aimed to estimate the carbon stock and carbon dioxide equivalent of roadside trees. A complete enumeration of trees was carried out in Kétou, Pobè and Sakété within the communes of the Plateau Department, Bénin Republic. Total height and diameter at breast height were measured from trees along the roads while individual wood density value was obtained from wood density database. The allometric method of biomass estimation was adopted for the research. The results showed that the total estimations for above-ground biomass, carbon stock and carbon equivalent from all the enumerated roadside trees were 154.53 mt, 72.63 mt and 266.55 mt, respectively. The results imply that the roadside trees contain a substantial amount of carbon stock that can contribute to climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration.展开更多
The soil seed bank is an important source of restoration and resilience of disturbed ecosystems. This study evaluates the regeneration potential through the soil seed bank of the shrub savannas of Nguela and Mbe in or...The soil seed bank is an important source of restoration and resilience of disturbed ecosystems. This study evaluates the regeneration potential through the soil seed bank of the shrub savannas of Nguela and Mbe in order to predict the eventual dynamics. Three plots of 0.25 ha subdivided into four sub-plots of 0.015 ha have been installed in each savannah. In total, 48 samples of each savannah, i.e. 96 samples of both savannas, have been taken from the soil layers, 0 - 5 cm, 5 - 10 cm, 10 - 15 cm and 15 - 20 cm. Species diversity and abundance of the soil seed bank have been assessed after germination. The results reveal 167 seedlings belonging to 23 species in the Mbe savannah and 144 seedlings belonging to 14 species in the Nguela savannah. The total densities of the germinated seeds were respectively 463.63 seeds/m<sup>2</sup> and 400 seeds/m<sup>2</sup>. Nevertheless, the 20 cm deep layers have illustrated themselves compared to the superficial layers with densities of 16.29 seeds/m<sup>2</sup> and 21.66 seeds/m<sup>2</sup>, respectively, in the savannas of Mbe and Nguela. Herbaceous species largely dominated, with percentages of 91% and 100%, respectively, in the savannas of Mbe and Nguela. Alone, the Trema orientalis (L.) Blume species has been identified as woody species in the Mbe savannah. The greatest specific richness has been obtained in the first five centimeters of soil, with 21.73% and 28.57% of exclusive species, respectively, in the savannas of Mbe and Nguela. The results reveal that restoration through the soil seed bank would be limited to a single woody species found (T. orientalis). Consequently, the study suggests silvicultural interventions based on planting or enrichment techniques for sustainably managed savannas exposed to anthropogenic disturbances.展开更多
Introduction: The launch of health insurance in the Republic of the Congo took place against a backdrop of extremely high costs for dialysis, which was not one of the services financed within this framework. The aim o...Introduction: The launch of health insurance in the Republic of the Congo took place against a backdrop of extremely high costs for dialysis, which was not one of the services financed within this framework. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of including dialysis in the health insurance package in Congo. Methodology: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study with an evaluative aim, analyzing the impact of dialysis on the financing capacity of health insurance and health facilities to provide this type of care. Results: The results show that including dialysis in the universal health insurance package will require an additional financial effort of 6.20% of the current total financing capacity of the care basket. Most dialysis sessions are provided by the private health sector (87.5%), whose health facilities are unevenly distributed across the country, and concentrated in the country’s two major cities. This problem is the dual consequence of the very high cost of a dialysis session (average cost 140,234,375 FCFA or 229 US Dollars) and the number of patients under care, which will increase in the absence of effective and ongoing prevention efforts against chronic diseases in general and end-stage renal failure in particular. Conclusion: Dialysis is a high-impact public health intervention. The impact of its inclusion in the universal health insurance care package is difficult to bear financially. For dialysis to be covered by universal health insurance, additional funding and improved technical facilities are needed.展开更多
This article is the memoirs of the author’s long-time research on the Neo-Confucian history of the Chosun dynasty Korea.The author recalled his academic achievement of the several stages of the historical changes of ...This article is the memoirs of the author’s long-time research on the Neo-Confucian history of the Chosun dynasty Korea.The author recalled his academic achievement of the several stages of the historical changes of Korean society with the Neo-Confucianism.The time range covered from the late 14th century to the nineteenth century.The research position was adhered to the view of the positive function of Confucianism which aimed to overcome the negative understanding highly influenced by the Japanese colonialism.He examined the socio-economic development accompanied with the Neo-Confucianism at the first stage.In the part of the sixteenth century the formation of Sarim group was interpreted as critical forces and the prevailed factionalism as the principle of politics rather than the chronic political strife.The author introduced his unique achievement that the ideology of the Neo-Confucianism had been strongly intensified with the response to the long term natural catastrophes of the Little Ice Age(c.1490-1760).The republican concept of 18th-century impartial rulers,the most important achievement of Korean Neo-Confucianism,was viewed as the result of effort to overcome the natural disasters.This topic was connected to the concept of republic which shows in a diagram of the Korean national flag.展开更多
Introduction: Irritable bowel syndrome is the most common functional gastrointestinal disorder. The objective of this work is to contribute to improving the medical follow-up of medical students at the University of P...Introduction: Irritable bowel syndrome is the most common functional gastrointestinal disorder. The objective of this work is to contribute to improving the medical follow-up of medical students at the University of Parakou through a study of irritable bowel syndrome. Study Methods: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study with prospective data collection. Data were collected from medical students from May 2018 to July 2018 using a pre-established questionnaire. Sampling was probabilistic using a two-stage survey. The diagnostic tools were: Rome IV criteria, Bristol scale and HAD (hospital anxiety and depression) scale. Data analysis was performed using Epi Info 7.1.3.14 software. CDC. Results: Thirty-two (7.55%) of the 424 students included had irritable bowel syndrome. Out of the 32 students with IBS, 24 (75%) were female. Their average age was 21.38 ± 2.39 years. For 24 students (75%), the symptoms occurred at the same time as exam preparation or the intense course period. Of the 32 students with IBS, 1 (3.12%) was regularly physically active. In this series, 8 students (28%) consulted a doctor for their symptoms. The factors associated with this syndrome were female sex (p = 0.022), sleep disorders (p = 0.008) and the presence of a doubtful depression (p = 0.021). Absenteeism due to irritable bowel syndrome was noted in 18 (56.25%) students. Conclusion: Irritable bowel syndrome is a common condition among medical students in Parakou. Support for better management of psychological disorders could improve the quality of life of these students.展开更多
Background: In accordance with its measles elimination strategic plan 2012-2020, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) organized a follow-up vaccination campaign against measles from October to December 2019 in 2...Background: In accordance with its measles elimination strategic plan 2012-2020, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) organized a follow-up vaccination campaign against measles from October to December 2019 in 26 provinces. This study aims to establish the contribution of this supplementary vaccination campaign to protecting children against measles. Methods: The survey was carried out in November 2020 among households of the DRC, according to the 2018 revised version of the World Health Organization’s stratified cluster sampling method, using multiple stage sampling. It targeted 280 children aged 6 - 59 months per stratum or province, with 10 children in each of the 28 selected clusters. Data collection using tablets with centralized and real-time data processing was preceded by enumeration to refine the household sampling frame. Clusters and households were selected by random draw. Data collected with CS Pro 7 software were analyzed with SPSS, Epi info 7 and Excel software to determine indicators and make before-after comparisons using the McNemar test, at a precision threshold of 5%. Results: Of the 8535 surveyed children, 89.5% were vaccinatedduring the follow-up campaign and 81.6% were vaccinated before. Only 3.7% had correctly completed campaign vaccination cards. Estimated vaccination coverage increased from 80.8% before the campaign to 92.6% after the campaign (p 0.001). Vaccination coverage after campaign against measles improved in all provinces (p < 0.001) except Bas-Uele and Maniema. Thirteen provinces reached the national coverage target of 95%, compared to five before the campaign. The proportion of zero-dose children dropped significantly after this campaign from 19.2% to 7.4% (p 0.001), and even fell below 1% in six provinces. Conclusion: This measles vaccination campaign improved overall vaccination coverage by 10% and reached more unvaccinated children. Efforts must continue to improve the retention of vaccination card, the adherence of unvaccinated children and the effectiveness of routine vaccination.展开更多
The soil seed bank is a key indicator of natural regeneration and/or forests resilience after disturbances. This study evaluates the soil seed bank characteristics in two Marantaceae forests plots of Ouesso Forest Ind...The soil seed bank is a key indicator of natural regeneration and/or forests resilience after disturbances. This study evaluates the soil seed bank characteristics in two Marantaceae forests plots of Ouesso Forest Industry (IFO) in north of the Republic of Congo. In each plot, 12 samples were taken per soil layers (0 - 5 cm, 5 - 10 cm, 10 - 15 cm and 15 - 20 cm deep). Diversity and abundance seed were estimated after germination of soil samples. The results revealed 101 seedlings belonging to 17 species for plot 1 and 129 seedlings belonging to 15 species for plot 2. The average densities of germinated seeds were respectively 281 seedling/m<sup>2</sup> and 358 seedling/m<sup>2</sup>. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) between the mean densities of the two plots. Herbaceous species dominated with percentages of 71% and 73%, respectively in plot 1 and plot 2. Both plots showed potential of regeneration from the soil seed bank. However, this potential seems higher in plot 2. Pioneer taxa were more abundant in the soil seed bank of plot 1 (4 woody pioneer species) than in plot 2 (1 woody pioneer species). The highest species richness was obtained in the first two soil layers (0 - 5 cm and 5 - 10 cm depth) while 25% of species were exclusively found in the deepest layer (15 - 20 cm) in plot 2. The study suggests silvicultural interventions based on planting or enrichment techniques for contribute to sustainable management of Marantaceae forests that could prevent the growth and development of seedlings.展开更多
Background: The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) faces severe malaria, postpartum haemorrhage, malnutrition and sickle cell disease that require transfusion. The latter poses immunological, infectious, metabolic...Background: The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) faces severe malaria, postpartum haemorrhage, malnutrition and sickle cell disease that require transfusion. The latter poses immunological, infectious, metabolic and hemodynamic risks to recipients. Objective: To present transfusion safety in the DRC through data from the literature. Methods: This review consists of listing the various articles and abstracts published online and presented in scientific conferences having as a subject of interest transfusion safety in the DRC. Results: The review is dominated by articles from eastern DRC and blood mobilization is around 0.5% of the general population. All screening tests are serological with a proven residual risk. The prevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV and syphilis infections is documented at more than 80% and represents respectively 1.9%, 2.96%, 1.89% and 1.21%. The prevalence of other pathogens, the immunological and haemodynamic risk are very poorly documented (12.5% to 25%). The prevalence of Parvovirus B19 infection is 5.3% and that of bacterial contamination at 1.4%, that of malaria infestations between 0.3% and 28.3%, that of trypanosomiasis at 1.3%, that of babebiosis at 0.17% in blood donors. Allo-immunization represents 47.8%, adverse reactions 3.4%, iron deficiency 63.2, iron deficiency anemia 25.9% and anemia 36.5%. Pediatrics is the biggest user of this blood. Conclusion: The prevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV and Syphilis infections is within the range of sub-Saharan African countries. The serological test is systematic and involves the residual risk, it is necessary to introduce the molecular tests. The prevalence of other pathogens (emerging viruses, bacteria and hemoparasites), the immunological and metabolic risk is poorly documented. The search for these pathogens, irregular antibodies and the determination of ferritin in blood donations is not systematic.展开更多
文摘Island ecosystems support diverse aquatic invertebrate communities comprising endemic taxa.Documentation of existing species is important for conservation.In this study,a checklist of marine opisthobranch from the Republic of Mauritius is presented.A combination of benthic surveys(50 m×5 m in triplicates),rover diving techniques and photo documentation were used over two years(2018–2020)within 35 sheltered and unsheltered lagoons.Morphological and molecular analysis were used for identification.Species composition within sheltered and unsheltered areas in Mauritius was estimated using the Bray-Curtis similarity.The checklist featured 117 species belonging to 61 genera and 28families,of which 13 are new records.The findings increased the knowledge of opisthobranch diversity from the Mauritius by 15.4%.Among the listed species,the distribution range of Cyerce nigra,Actinocyclus papillatus,and Phyllidia picta extended from the Western Pacific to the South Western Indian Ocean.Molecular analysis of the undescribed Gymnodoris sp.showed it resembled Gymnodoris sp.from Hawaii and were different by a genetic distance value of 10.6%.The species richness and evenness were higher within the sheltered regions of Mauritius which harboured the food resource of opisthobranch.These areas as compared to unsheltered regions were heavily populated,suggesting the probable influence of wave actions on opisthobranch diversity and abundance.The order Nudibranchia was reported as most speciose,with 86 species.The Sacoglossa and Nudibranchia were observed only on macroalgae and sponges respectively.High abundance was also recorded on shipwrecks which are the most common form of artificial reefs.With the inclusion of observations from previous studies,201species belonging to 94 genera and 36 families are now known from the Mauritius.
文摘Coula edulis is non-timber forest product (NTFP) used in Africa for its hazelnuts, which contain edible seeds with a demonstrated nutritional potential. However, there have been very few scientific studies of this species in the Republic of Congo. Thus, the aim of the current study was therefore to determine the fatty acid composition of the oil extracted from Coula edulis hazelnut seeds collected at random in the Republic of Congo. The oil was extracted using the Soxhlet method and its fatty acid composition was determined by gas chromatography. The extracted oil from Coula edulis hazelnut kernels is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (95.28%), particularly oleic acid (94.5%), which classifies it as an oleic oil and gives it interesting nutritional and therapeutic properties. On the other hand, saturated fatty acids (4.15%) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (0.35%) are not well represented. Its low poly-unsaturated fatty acid content makes it more stable when stored at room temperature.
文摘In Africa, each year, there are estimated to be more than 91 million cases of salmonellosis and 137,000 cases of death. The problem of antibiotic resistance in Salmonella strains is a threat to public health. The objective of this study is to evaluate the antibiotic resistance profile of Salmonella strains isolated in biological products analyzed at the National Laboratory of Clinical Biology and Public Health (NLCBPH) in Bangui. This is, therefore, a cross-sectional study with a descriptive aim, running from January to December 2022. It focused on the strains of Salmonella isolated and identified in stools, urines, and blood samples. For each strain of Salmonella isolated, an antibiogram was carried out following the recommendations of the French Society of Microbiology (CASFM, 2022). A total of 93 strains of Salmonella have been recorded. The age group 0 - 9 years was 29% and that of >50 years was 11%. The median age of patients was 30 years with a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 78 years. The female gender was more represented at 52.69% than the male gender at 47.31%, i.e. a sex ratio of 0.89 (M/F). Salmonella strains were much more isolated in stools at 62% followed by urines at 29% and blood at 6%. Salmonella arizonae strains were more represented with 52%. Salmonella strains have a resistance rate to Tetracycline of 62.37% followed by Penicillins of 50%. The rate of multi-antibiotic resistance of the Salmonella strains isolated represented 48.38%. Salmonella spp. strains were multi-resistant at 58.69% followed by Salmonella arizonae strains at 47.91%. There is a significant association between the different families of antibiotics and Salmonella strains (p < 0.05). According to the results obtained, Penicillins, Phenicoles, and Cyclins had a high rate of resistance on Salmonella strains. No strain-producing Broad Spectrum Beta-lactamase has been isolated. Salmonella strains represent a zoonotic health danger, constitute a public health problem and remain a current subject. This germ is resistant to the antibiotics used. It is, therefore, essential to emphasize monitoring the resistance of these germs in the Central African Republic (CAR) to improve the health of the population.
文摘Introduction: Acute rheumatic fever (AAR) is a non-suppurative complication of late infection by group A. Infections due to streptococci remain a public health problem in the Central African Republic. The present study aims to determine the incidence rate of AAR cases and its complications. Methodology: This was a retrospective and analytical study over a period of 4 years (from January 2015 to December 2018) at the National Laboratory of Clinical Biology and Public Health (LNBCSP) in Bangui. It focused on samples concerning the diagnosis of AAR and patient files seen in consultation in the capital’s reference health establishments. Laboratory registers and patient consultation files were used to collect data. They were entered into Excel 2010 to be analyzed with Epi Info 7. A univariate analysis by logistic regression, Ficher’s exact test, and chi<sup>2</sup> at the 5% threshold (p Results: We analyzed 94 cases meeting Jones’s criteria. The ages of the patients ranged from 18 to 85 years (mean age 52 years and mode 45 years). The incidence rate of AAR for the female sex was higher than that of the male sex during the study period (p > 0.05). It went from 166.6 in 2015 to 200 in 2016 and 2018 cases of AAR per 1000 people per year. The average incidence rate was 296.18 cases of AAR per 1000 people per year. The average incidence rate was 223.5 cases of AAR per 1000 people per year for joint damage. Joint damage represented 80.85% (RR = 0.62;Chi<sup>2</sup> = 4.88;95% CI [0.39-0.97];p Conclusion: The study allowed data on the impact rate and complications of the AAR in Bangui. Special attention to data management will help produce a complete result on the problem. Joint complications predominated. Sustaining an effective surveillance system and preventing infection would help reduce the risk of AAR occurrence.
文摘This article presents a fuzzy logic-based approach to coordinate the control devices of the power system, such as Power System Stabilizers (PSS) and Static Synchronous Compensators (STATCOM), to damp power oscillations caused by dynamic disturbances. At first, we used the Lyapunov method to study the dynamic stability of the power grid in the Republic of Congo. This method allowed us to analyze the eigenvalues of the state variable matrix and highlight the eigenvalues in the complex plane. Secondly, we proposed a fuzzy logic-based controller to account for uncertainties existing near the thresholds. The inputs to this controller are the generator speed and generator rotor angle. We demonstrated the effectiveness and feasibility of this fuzzy control by applying it to the power grid of the Republic of Congo, with three power stabilizers and two STATCOMs. .
文摘Lithological, petrographic, and morphoscopic studies were conducted on cuttings and cores from three boreholes drilled in the Loemé salt, Kanga site, Republic of the Congo, to determine 1) the preferential conditions for crystallization of carnallite and associated salts and 2) to reconstruct paleoenvironmental and paleoclimatic conditions at the time of sedimentation. Sequential analysis of logs, sedimentary structures, carnallitite facies and associated salts concluded to the existence of a potassic carnallitite lagoon basin with low water cover, on a very wide and extensive plateau, affected by coastal waves and swells resulting from successive collapses. This basin evolved in two phases: confined and then open. The regular stratifications of halite, the rhythmicity of the halite-carnallitite elementary sequences are characteristic of salts that precipitated in relatively stable brines. These salts are therefore tectonosedimentary. The brecciated facies of the carnallitites sometimes associated with tachyhydrite result from the evolution of these deposits into salt crusts reworked by the surges into subaquatic allochemical gravelly cords under water. These crusts mark stages of partial and complete drying of the basin in a very hot and arid climate. Prolonged exposure of halite brines as well as their homogenization by surges accelerated evaporation and their abrupt evolution into carnallite brines obstructing the fossilization of sylvite. The precipitation of tachyhydrite marks the final stage of the successive complete drying of the basin.
文摘The Sangha River basin is the largest sub-basin of the Congo River basin, which drains the northern part of the Republic of the Congo-Brazzaville. It is the most important economic zone in this part of the country, with a strong timber industry, agriculture and hydroelectricity. The catchment also boasts the country’s third-largest river port, located in the town of Ouesso. Unfortunately, increasingly frequent low-water levels in recent years have led to a decline in river navigation and economic activities. So, the aim of this study is to show the effects of climate change over the last six decades in the Sangha watershed at Ouesso hydrological station, located in the north of the Republic of the Congo-Brazzaville, and elucidate its impact on water resources. To achieve this, several statistical and hydrological methods were used. The application of change-point or shift detection tests to flow series from 1961 to 2020 revealed variability in the hydrological cycle, characterized by two major phases of homogeneous flows: a wet surplus phase and a dry deficit phase. The results show one shift in flood flows in 1971 (Buishand test), one shift in yearly average flows or modules in 1971 (Pettitt test and Buishand test), and one shift in low-water flows in 1976, with all two tests. These disruptions were accompanied by a drop in flow of around 15.63%, 21.70% and 35.67%, on average, for floods, modules, and low-water, respectively, a drop in rainfall of around 9.6% and a rise in temperature of around 0.76?C. These flows show an overall downward trend. The calculated recession coefficients show that, over the entire study period, a recession occurred in March 1985.
文摘Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a set of peri-articular conditions that result mainly in pain and functional discomfort. They represent a major occupational health problem in all areas of activity. The objective of this work was to determine the prevalence of MSDs among street vendors in the city of Bangui in the Central African Republic (CAR). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 01 to October 31, 2021 in Bangui, the capital of CAR. The study population consisted of street vendors which were included at the entrance of 4 large markets of Bangui after giving informed consent. The sample size, calculated according to the Schwartz formula, was 384. Sociodemographic data (age, gender, level of education, marital status), professional data (the duration of sale in hours, the distance traveled per day);and health data (the health problems suffered by itinerant sellers and the means of dealing with them) were collected using a pre-established self-questionnaire. This collected data was processed using Microsoft Excel 2013 and Epi-Info version 7 software. Results: Among 384 street vendors included, women represented a quarter (24.9%). The average age was 27 years;the 25-34 age group was the most represented (50%). About two-thirds (64.8%) sold for at least 12 hours and traveled more than 10 km (69.3%) per day. The main health problems reported by street vendors were musculoskeletal disorders (95.8%). Their locations concerned the upper limbs shoulder 65.36% (251), elbow 24.22% (93). Non-ergonomic postures that stress the back and joints all day long, causing pain are risk factors for MSDs. These MSDs were treated by self-medication with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (22.0%), mainly sold on the street. Conclusion: MSDs dominated the health problems of street vendors. These problems raise the need for recognition and support for these workers to optimize their performance while preserving their health through awareness and good management of MSDs whose chronicity generates a disability.
文摘Background and Objective: Purulent meningitis is a therapeutic emergency and remains a real public health problem in the world, particularly in limited resources countries. The study aimed to describe the epidemiological clinical, etiological and scalable features of purulent meningitis in children in Bria. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2019 (24 months). It included all suspected cases of purulent meningitis in children aged 0 to 15 years, confirmed by agglutination with Pastorex meningitis. A standard sheet was used to collect the data which was entered and analyzed on Epi Info 7 software. Results: A total of 37 cases of purulent meningitis were confirmed among 90 suspected cases. The female gender predominated (59.5%), with a sex ratio of 0.7. The age group from 0 to 11 months was majority (48.6%). Nearly 2 thirds of children were not vaccinated (64.8%). The most frequent functional signs were fever (83.8%), and convulsion (51.4%). The etiologies were Streptococcus (51.4%), Neisseria meningitidis (35.1%) and Haemophilus influenzae (13.5%). Therapeutic success under 3rd generation cephalosporin treatment was obtained in 86.5% including 8.1% with sequelae;13.5% of death was observed. Streptococcus was the most lethal bacterium at 21.1%. Conclusion: The results of these studies show that pediatric purulent meningitis is still common despite the availability of free vaccination. They require early therapeutic management to limit the occurrence of sequelae and death. Hence, it is important to strengthen prevention strategies.
文摘Introduction: Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection is the most common bacterial infection in the world. World Health Organization has classified this bacterium as a Class I carcinogen. The objective of this work is to study the epidemiological, clinical and pathological aspects of Helicobacter pylori infection among adults in a digestive endoscopy unit and the pathological anatomy service of Parakou. Patients and Methods: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study conducted from January 2020 to September 2020 in the digestive endoscopy unit and pathological anatomy service at the Departmental University Hospital Center of Borgou. Patients aged 18 years and older, who had undergone a gastroscopy with biopsies and who gave their oral consent were included. Three antral biopsies and two fundic biopsies were performed. The search for Hp was done under an optical microscope after staining with hematoxylin eosin. Results: A total of 151 patients were included and 51.66% were infected with Hp. Their average age was 40.63 ± 15.32 years and the sex ratio was 0.9. Epigastric pain was the most reported symptom (71.01%). Endoscopically, the prevalence of erythematous gastropathy was 98.72%. The study of chronic Hp gastritis according to Sydney system had shown signs of activity in 100% of patients with Hp and glandular atrophy in 83.33% of them. Intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia accounted for 24.35% and 29.48% of cases, respectively. Factors associated with Hp infection were: absence of proton pump inhibitor intake prior to examination, absence of handwashing with soap and water before eating, erythematous aspect of gastritis on gastroscopy, absence of intestinal metaplasia of the fundus, active and chronic aspects of gastritis on histology. Conclusion: The frequency of Hp infection in hospitals among adults admitted to the Digestive Endoscopy Unit of Parakou is high. To reduce this prevalence, it will be necessary to act on the factors identified.
文摘To improve the management of patients with heart failure and anemia at the University Hospital of Brazzaville, a cross-sectional study of patients diagnosed with heart failure condition (left or global heart failure) was conducted over a period of nine months from January 1 to September 30, 2017. A total of 171 patients were included during the study period. Study participants were divided into two groups: Group A included patients with an additional anemic condition (n = 57) and Group NA patients without anemia (n = 114). Anemia was defined as a hemoglobin rate of < 12 g/dL for men and <11 g/dL for women. All eligible patients admitted to the Department of Cardiology were included in the study. The frequency of anemia was 33.3%, with a mean hemoglobin level of 9.4 ± 1.5 g/dL. Men accounted for 46.9% of cases (n = 79) and women 53.8% (n = 92). The mean age of eligible patients was 57.5 ± 16.5 years. Of these, 46.2% (n = 75) had a secondary educational level and 53.8% (n = 92) had a low socioeconomic status. Heart failure was global in 153 cases (89.5%). Patients were on NYHA III-IV functional class in 112 cases (65.5%), with a statistically significant difference between anemic and non-anemic patients (p = 0.0001). The main underlying heart diseases were dilated cardiomyopathy (75.1%), hypertensive heart disease (10.5%), ischemic heart disease (6.5%), and valvular disease (4.7%). The comparison between the two groups (A and NA) showed a longer hospital length of stay (18.4 ± 8.9 versus 12.9 ± 7.6 days;p = 0.00001) and a higher mortality rate (4 versus 2 deaths). The re-hospitalization rate was more important in group A (n = 4) than in group NA (n = 1). Anemia is a common condition in patients with heart failure. It worsens the clinical features and prognosis.
文摘BACKGROUND Cancer diagnosis is increasing around the world and in the Democratic Republic of the Congo(DRC).The proportion of thyroid cancer has increased over the past three decades.There are very few studies on cancer epidemiology,and in particular on thyroid cancer in the DRC.AIM To establish the most recent proportion of thyroid cancer in the DRC compared to other cancers.METHODS This is a retrospective and descriptive study of 6106 consecutive cancer cases listed in the pathological registers of 4 Laboratories in the city of Kinshasa.This study included all cancer cases recorded in the registers between 2005 and 2019.RESULTS From a sample of 6106 patients,including all cancer types,68.3%cases were female and 31.7%were male.Breast and cervical cancer were the most common types of cancer in women and,prostate and skin cancer were the most common types in men.Thyroid cancer was sixth in proportion in women and eleventh in men compared to all cancers.Papillary carcinoma was the most common of thyroid cancers.Rare cancers such as anaplastic and medullary thyroid carcinomas had a proportion of 7%and 2%,respectively.CONCLUSION Newer diagnostic tools led to a surge in cancer diagnoses in the DRC.Thyroid cancer has more than doubled its proportion over the last several decades in the country.
文摘Roadside trees are effective natural solutions for mitigating climate change. Despite the usefulness of trees to carbon sequestration, there is a dearth of information on the estimation of biomass and carbon stock for roadside trees in the study area. This study aimed to estimate the carbon stock and carbon dioxide equivalent of roadside trees. A complete enumeration of trees was carried out in Kétou, Pobè and Sakété within the communes of the Plateau Department, Bénin Republic. Total height and diameter at breast height were measured from trees along the roads while individual wood density value was obtained from wood density database. The allometric method of biomass estimation was adopted for the research. The results showed that the total estimations for above-ground biomass, carbon stock and carbon equivalent from all the enumerated roadside trees were 154.53 mt, 72.63 mt and 266.55 mt, respectively. The results imply that the roadside trees contain a substantial amount of carbon stock that can contribute to climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration.
文摘The soil seed bank is an important source of restoration and resilience of disturbed ecosystems. This study evaluates the regeneration potential through the soil seed bank of the shrub savannas of Nguela and Mbe in order to predict the eventual dynamics. Three plots of 0.25 ha subdivided into four sub-plots of 0.015 ha have been installed in each savannah. In total, 48 samples of each savannah, i.e. 96 samples of both savannas, have been taken from the soil layers, 0 - 5 cm, 5 - 10 cm, 10 - 15 cm and 15 - 20 cm. Species diversity and abundance of the soil seed bank have been assessed after germination. The results reveal 167 seedlings belonging to 23 species in the Mbe savannah and 144 seedlings belonging to 14 species in the Nguela savannah. The total densities of the germinated seeds were respectively 463.63 seeds/m<sup>2</sup> and 400 seeds/m<sup>2</sup>. Nevertheless, the 20 cm deep layers have illustrated themselves compared to the superficial layers with densities of 16.29 seeds/m<sup>2</sup> and 21.66 seeds/m<sup>2</sup>, respectively, in the savannas of Mbe and Nguela. Herbaceous species largely dominated, with percentages of 91% and 100%, respectively, in the savannas of Mbe and Nguela. Alone, the Trema orientalis (L.) Blume species has been identified as woody species in the Mbe savannah. The greatest specific richness has been obtained in the first five centimeters of soil, with 21.73% and 28.57% of exclusive species, respectively, in the savannas of Mbe and Nguela. The results reveal that restoration through the soil seed bank would be limited to a single woody species found (T. orientalis). Consequently, the study suggests silvicultural interventions based on planting or enrichment techniques for sustainably managed savannas exposed to anthropogenic disturbances.
文摘Introduction: The launch of health insurance in the Republic of the Congo took place against a backdrop of extremely high costs for dialysis, which was not one of the services financed within this framework. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of including dialysis in the health insurance package in Congo. Methodology: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study with an evaluative aim, analyzing the impact of dialysis on the financing capacity of health insurance and health facilities to provide this type of care. Results: The results show that including dialysis in the universal health insurance package will require an additional financial effort of 6.20% of the current total financing capacity of the care basket. Most dialysis sessions are provided by the private health sector (87.5%), whose health facilities are unevenly distributed across the country, and concentrated in the country’s two major cities. This problem is the dual consequence of the very high cost of a dialysis session (average cost 140,234,375 FCFA or 229 US Dollars) and the number of patients under care, which will increase in the absence of effective and ongoing prevention efforts against chronic diseases in general and end-stage renal failure in particular. Conclusion: Dialysis is a high-impact public health intervention. The impact of its inclusion in the universal health insurance care package is difficult to bear financially. For dialysis to be covered by universal health insurance, additional funding and improved technical facilities are needed.
文摘This article is the memoirs of the author’s long-time research on the Neo-Confucian history of the Chosun dynasty Korea.The author recalled his academic achievement of the several stages of the historical changes of Korean society with the Neo-Confucianism.The time range covered from the late 14th century to the nineteenth century.The research position was adhered to the view of the positive function of Confucianism which aimed to overcome the negative understanding highly influenced by the Japanese colonialism.He examined the socio-economic development accompanied with the Neo-Confucianism at the first stage.In the part of the sixteenth century the formation of Sarim group was interpreted as critical forces and the prevailed factionalism as the principle of politics rather than the chronic political strife.The author introduced his unique achievement that the ideology of the Neo-Confucianism had been strongly intensified with the response to the long term natural catastrophes of the Little Ice Age(c.1490-1760).The republican concept of 18th-century impartial rulers,the most important achievement of Korean Neo-Confucianism,was viewed as the result of effort to overcome the natural disasters.This topic was connected to the concept of republic which shows in a diagram of the Korean national flag.
文摘Introduction: Irritable bowel syndrome is the most common functional gastrointestinal disorder. The objective of this work is to contribute to improving the medical follow-up of medical students at the University of Parakou through a study of irritable bowel syndrome. Study Methods: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study with prospective data collection. Data were collected from medical students from May 2018 to July 2018 using a pre-established questionnaire. Sampling was probabilistic using a two-stage survey. The diagnostic tools were: Rome IV criteria, Bristol scale and HAD (hospital anxiety and depression) scale. Data analysis was performed using Epi Info 7.1.3.14 software. CDC. Results: Thirty-two (7.55%) of the 424 students included had irritable bowel syndrome. Out of the 32 students with IBS, 24 (75%) were female. Their average age was 21.38 ± 2.39 years. For 24 students (75%), the symptoms occurred at the same time as exam preparation or the intense course period. Of the 32 students with IBS, 1 (3.12%) was regularly physically active. In this series, 8 students (28%) consulted a doctor for their symptoms. The factors associated with this syndrome were female sex (p = 0.022), sleep disorders (p = 0.008) and the presence of a doubtful depression (p = 0.021). Absenteeism due to irritable bowel syndrome was noted in 18 (56.25%) students. Conclusion: Irritable bowel syndrome is a common condition among medical students in Parakou. Support for better management of psychological disorders could improve the quality of life of these students.
文摘Background: In accordance with its measles elimination strategic plan 2012-2020, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) organized a follow-up vaccination campaign against measles from October to December 2019 in 26 provinces. This study aims to establish the contribution of this supplementary vaccination campaign to protecting children against measles. Methods: The survey was carried out in November 2020 among households of the DRC, according to the 2018 revised version of the World Health Organization’s stratified cluster sampling method, using multiple stage sampling. It targeted 280 children aged 6 - 59 months per stratum or province, with 10 children in each of the 28 selected clusters. Data collection using tablets with centralized and real-time data processing was preceded by enumeration to refine the household sampling frame. Clusters and households were selected by random draw. Data collected with CS Pro 7 software were analyzed with SPSS, Epi info 7 and Excel software to determine indicators and make before-after comparisons using the McNemar test, at a precision threshold of 5%. Results: Of the 8535 surveyed children, 89.5% were vaccinatedduring the follow-up campaign and 81.6% were vaccinated before. Only 3.7% had correctly completed campaign vaccination cards. Estimated vaccination coverage increased from 80.8% before the campaign to 92.6% after the campaign (p 0.001). Vaccination coverage after campaign against measles improved in all provinces (p < 0.001) except Bas-Uele and Maniema. Thirteen provinces reached the national coverage target of 95%, compared to five before the campaign. The proportion of zero-dose children dropped significantly after this campaign from 19.2% to 7.4% (p 0.001), and even fell below 1% in six provinces. Conclusion: This measles vaccination campaign improved overall vaccination coverage by 10% and reached more unvaccinated children. Efforts must continue to improve the retention of vaccination card, the adherence of unvaccinated children and the effectiveness of routine vaccination.
文摘The soil seed bank is a key indicator of natural regeneration and/or forests resilience after disturbances. This study evaluates the soil seed bank characteristics in two Marantaceae forests plots of Ouesso Forest Industry (IFO) in north of the Republic of Congo. In each plot, 12 samples were taken per soil layers (0 - 5 cm, 5 - 10 cm, 10 - 15 cm and 15 - 20 cm deep). Diversity and abundance seed were estimated after germination of soil samples. The results revealed 101 seedlings belonging to 17 species for plot 1 and 129 seedlings belonging to 15 species for plot 2. The average densities of germinated seeds were respectively 281 seedling/m<sup>2</sup> and 358 seedling/m<sup>2</sup>. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) between the mean densities of the two plots. Herbaceous species dominated with percentages of 71% and 73%, respectively in plot 1 and plot 2. Both plots showed potential of regeneration from the soil seed bank. However, this potential seems higher in plot 2. Pioneer taxa were more abundant in the soil seed bank of plot 1 (4 woody pioneer species) than in plot 2 (1 woody pioneer species). The highest species richness was obtained in the first two soil layers (0 - 5 cm and 5 - 10 cm depth) while 25% of species were exclusively found in the deepest layer (15 - 20 cm) in plot 2. The study suggests silvicultural interventions based on planting or enrichment techniques for contribute to sustainable management of Marantaceae forests that could prevent the growth and development of seedlings.
文摘Background: The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) faces severe malaria, postpartum haemorrhage, malnutrition and sickle cell disease that require transfusion. The latter poses immunological, infectious, metabolic and hemodynamic risks to recipients. Objective: To present transfusion safety in the DRC through data from the literature. Methods: This review consists of listing the various articles and abstracts published online and presented in scientific conferences having as a subject of interest transfusion safety in the DRC. Results: The review is dominated by articles from eastern DRC and blood mobilization is around 0.5% of the general population. All screening tests are serological with a proven residual risk. The prevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV and syphilis infections is documented at more than 80% and represents respectively 1.9%, 2.96%, 1.89% and 1.21%. The prevalence of other pathogens, the immunological and haemodynamic risk are very poorly documented (12.5% to 25%). The prevalence of Parvovirus B19 infection is 5.3% and that of bacterial contamination at 1.4%, that of malaria infestations between 0.3% and 28.3%, that of trypanosomiasis at 1.3%, that of babebiosis at 0.17% in blood donors. Allo-immunization represents 47.8%, adverse reactions 3.4%, iron deficiency 63.2, iron deficiency anemia 25.9% and anemia 36.5%. Pediatrics is the biggest user of this blood. Conclusion: The prevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV and Syphilis infections is within the range of sub-Saharan African countries. The serological test is systematic and involves the residual risk, it is necessary to introduce the molecular tests. The prevalence of other pathogens (emerging viruses, bacteria and hemoparasites), the immunological and metabolic risk is poorly documented. The search for these pathogens, irregular antibodies and the determination of ferritin in blood donations is not systematic.
