A green cross-linking method for the preparation of renewable threedimensional graphene sponges for efficient adsorption of Congo red dye

Graphene-based materials possess significant potential for the treatment of dye wastewater due to their exceptional adsorption properties toward stubborn pollutants.However,their utilization is hindered by high preparation costs,low yields,environmental pollution during synthesis,and challenges in regenerating the adsorbent.This study proposes a novel approach to address these limitations by developing nitrogen-doped three-dimensional(3D)polyvinyl alcohol(PVA)crosslinked graphene sponges(N-PGA)using a cross-linking method with ammonium carbonate.This method offers a relatively mild,environmentally friendly approach.Ammonium carbonate serves as both a reducing and modifying agent,facilitating the formation of the intrinsic structure of N-PGA and acting as a nitrogen source.Meanwhile,PVA is utilized as the cross-linking agent.The results demonstrate that N-PGA exhibits a favorable internal 3D hierarchical porous structure and possesses robust mechanical properties.The measured specific surface area(BET)of N-PGA was as high as406.538 m^(2)·g^(-1),which was favorable for its efficient adsorption of Congo red(CR)dye molecules.At an initial concentration of 50 mg·L^(-1),N-PGA achieved an impressive removal rate of 89.6%and an adsorption capacity of 112 mg·g^(-1)for CR dye.Furthermore,it retained 79%of its initial adsorption capacity after 10 cycles,demonstrating excellent regeneration performance.In summary,the synthesized N-PGA displays remarkable efficacy in the adsorption of CR dye in wastewater,opening up new possibilities for utilizing 3D porous graphene nanomaterials as efficient adsorbents in wastewater treatment.

Abdominoplasty, Liposuction and Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) in Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo. My Experience in This Aesthetic Plastic Surgery with Black African Women in a Low-Income Country

Background: In low-income African countries, the demand and use of plastic surgery operations including abdominoplasty, liposuction and Brazilian butt lift (BBL) are increasing. The goal of this work is to present my experience and the challenges of this aesthetic plastic surgery among black African women. Material and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted about the abdominoplasties, liposuctions and Brazilian butt lift (BBL) which I operated in public and private hospitals at Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of Congo) in black African women. It covers a period of 13 years, going from December 1, 2010 to December 1, 2023. For this study, I had at least 6 months period (to Juin 1, 2024) to assess the occurrence of early and late postoperative complications. Results: I performed 84 abdominoplasties, 144 liposuctions and 23 Brazilian butt lifts (BBL). The average age at the time of abdominoplasty was 44 years with extremes ranging from 26 to 55 years and a concentration of cases (60.7%) in the age group of 40 to 49 years. The age group of 20 to 29 years old represented the lowest rate of requests for abdominoplasty (4.7%). Patients with a BMI of 30 to 2 were the majority (61.9%), followed by those between 25 to 2 (29.7%). 67.8% of patients were obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2). The average age at the time of liposuction was 41 years with extremes ranging from 21 years to 69 years;and more than half of cases (68%) in the age group between 30 and 49 years. As for Brazilian butt lift (BBL), the average age was 33 years with extremes ranging from 24 to 42 years and a concentration of patients (91.3%) between 20 and 39 years. The immediate postoperative complications of abdominoplasties observed were: seroma in 7% of cases, hematoma and partial infection of the surgical site in 5% of cases. Pathological scars (hypertrophic, keloid) after abdominoplasties were observed in 9% of cases. The most common complication of liposuction was contour deformity. I observed 16 patients (11.1%) with soft-tissue depressions or elevations, skin panniculus or folds. For Brazalian Butt Lift (BBL), complications like asymmetry for 2 patients (8.9%), contour irregularities for 2 patients (8.9%), and excessive fat removal for 6 patients (26%), had observed. I have not recorded any cases of death or pulmonary embolism. Conclusion: I perform aesthetic plastic surgery procedures in black African women with a high socioeconomic standard of living compared to the average of the general population. The renunciation of planned surgery is motivated by the impossibility of paying the cost of the operation as well as by popular and religious perceptions regarding cosmetic surgery. The results of these aesthetic plastic surgery procedures carried out are very satisfactory for them. The challenges to overcome are mainly threefold: the unforeseeable complications of these cosmetic plastic surgery procedures, popular and religious perceptions of cosmetic surgery as well as the poverty of the population.

Analysis of Maximum PowerPoint Tracking (MPPT) Adaptability in Inverters of the Three-Phase Photovoltaic Systems Integrated into the Electrical Grid of Congo-Brazzaville

This paper investigates the adaptability of Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithms in single-stage three-phase photovoltaic (PV) systems connected to the grid of Congo-Brazzaville and compares the attributes of various conventional, significance and novelty of controller system of the proposed of method and improved Incremental Conductance algorithms, Perturbation and Observation Techniques, and other Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithms in normal and partial shading conditions. Performance evaluation techniques are discussed on the basis of the dynamic parameters of the PV system although the control of this structure is relatively advanced technology but the conversion efficiency is difficult to improve due to increase in transformation series. The single stage topology has a simple topology with high reliability and efficiency because of high power consumption, but control algorithm is more complex because of its power convert main circuit a new strategy is being developed. This paper describes a method for maximum power point tracking (MPPT) in the single-stage and three single-phase PV grid-connected system. In the paper, the nonlinear output characteristics of the PV including I-V & P-V are obtained in changed solar insulations or temperature based on MATLAB, and the MPPT algorithm which is based on the P & O algorithm method, compared with Incremental Conductance, is also described, a dimensioning of the impedance adapter for better stabilization. A comparison SPWM and SVPWM control methods in the case of a grid connection applied to the electrical grid of Republic of Congo and their influences on the dynamic performance of the system and their impact in reducing the harmonic rate for better injection into the grid. The simulation model of three single-phase PV grid-connected system is built, and simulation results show the MPPT algorithm has excellent dynamic and static performances, which verifies the Incremental Conductance is effective for MPPT in the single-stage and three single-phase PV grid-connected system.

基于生信分析探索KIN17表达对非小细胞肺癌的影响

目的探讨KIN17在体内的表达对非小细胞肺癌及肿瘤微环境的影响。方法从公共数据库中获取相关数据,分析KIN17在肿瘤组织与正常肺组织中的表达差异,并通过生存分析,评估KIN17表达量对非小细胞肺癌患者预后的影响。整理分析与KIN17表达高度相关的基因,并进行进一步富集分析。对KIN17表达与免疫细胞浸润水平进行相关性预测,以评价KIN17表达水平对肿瘤微环境的影响。结果与正常肺组织相比,在非小细胞肺癌肿瘤组织中KIN17表达增加(P<0.01)。富集分析结果显示,在肺腺癌和肺鳞癌中与KIN17高度相关的差异性基因在多个影响肿瘤细胞增殖和转移的通路上高度富集。通过免疫细胞浸润分析结果得出,KIN17在肺腺癌中和肺鳞癌中与多种免疫细胞呈正相关。结论KIN17与其相关基因在非小细胞肺癌中可能存在协同作用,从而影响非小细胞肺癌的发展和肿瘤细胞的转移,在非小细胞肺癌的早期诊断和治疗中有一定的临床价值。

Adsorption Isotherms and Kinetic Studies of Congo-Red Removal from Waste Water Using Activated Carbon Prepared from Jujube Seed

In this study, adsorption of Congo red dye onto activated carbon prepared from Jujube (Ziziphus Mauritiania) seeds with phosphoric acid as the activating agent was investigated. Batch adsorption studies were carried out to study the influence of contact time, adsorbent dosage and initial dye concentration on the adsorption. The data was analysed using pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order kinetic models. The pseudo-second order kinetic model was found to describe the adsorption more effectively with a perfect correlation coefficient of unity. The rate constant, K was obtained as 0.182 (g/mg min) and the calculated qe (9.81) is very close to the experimental value (9.78). A high correlation coefficient obtained when the data was analysed with the intraparticle diffusion rate equation, revealed the presence of intraparticle diffusion in the adsorption process even though it is not the sole controlling step as shown by the value of the intercept (C ≠ 0). Isotherm studies showed that there is high correlation in each case when the data was modelled with Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin and Dubinin-Radushkevic isotherm models but the best fit was obtained with the Freundlich model with R2 = 0.9991, adsorption capacity, KF = 19.73 (mg/g)(mg/L)1/n and n = 1.563 indicating the adsorption is favourable and occurs on a heterogeneous surface by multilayer. The study showed that activated carbon from jujube seeds is an effective adsorbent for the removal of Congo red dye from solution.

Profile of retinal diseases in adult patients attending two major eye clinics in Kinshasa,the Democratic Republic of Congo

AIM:To determine the frequency and types of retinal diseases and the extend of the related visual loss in adult patients attending two public eye clinics of Kinshasa,Democratic Republic of Congo.METHODS:Review of medical records of patients with retinal diseases seen in the major eye clinics in Kinshasa,the University Hospital of Kinshasa(UHK)and Saint Joseph Hospital(SJH),from January 2012 to December 2014.Demographics and diagnoses were retrieved and analyzed.Outcome measures were frequency and prevalence of retinal diseases,blindness and low vision.RESULTS:A total of 40965 patients aged 40 y or older were examined during this period in both clinics.Of these,1208 had retinal disease,giving a 3-year and an annual prevalence of 3%and 1%,respectively.Mean age was 61.7±10.7 y,and 55.8%of the patients were males.Arterial hypertension(68.1%)and diabetes(43.3%)were the most common systemic comorbidities.Hypertensive retinopathy(41.8%),diabetic retinopathy(37.9%),age-related macular degeneration(AMD;14.6%),and chorioretinitis and retinal vein occlusion(7.3%each)were the most common retinal diseases,with 3-year prevalence rates of 1.3%,1.0%,0.43%,and 0.21%respectively.Bilateral low vision and blindness were present in 26.8%and 8.4%of the patients at presentation.Major causes of low vision and blindness were diabetic retinopathy(14.8%),AMD(4.9%),retinal detachment(2.8%),and retinal vein occlusion(2.5%).The prevalence was significantly higher among males than females,and at the UHK than SJH.CONCLUSION:Retinal diseases are common among Congolese adult patients attending eye clinics in Kinshasa.They cause a significant proportion of low vision and blindness.

Feasibility of iFISH patterns in hematologic malignancies among Congolese patients at Kinshasa University clinics

Objective: To analyze the feasibility of detecting Ph1 in leukemia patients in the Kinshasa University Clinics in the Democratic Republic of Congo, at KU Leuven, Belgium.Methods: Bone marrow and peripheral blood samples with chronic myeloid leukemia,acute myeloid leukemia or acute leukocytes leukemia were obtained from 32 patients in Kinshasa University clinics in the Democratic Republic of Congo and transferred to KU Leuven in Belgium for i FISH feasibility. Ph^1 was detected by using a remote analysis of interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization(i FISH).Results: Out of the 32 patients involved in this study, 65.6%(n = 21) of the cases were successfully tested, of which 52.4%(n = 11) were i FISH positives for the variant t(9;22)(presence of Ph^1) in chronic myeloid leukemia samples and 47.6%(n = 10) negatives in all subtypes of hematological malignancies. However, there was a female predominance in chronic myeloid leukemia samples Ph^1-positives by i FISH, whereas no sexual influence was observed on acute subtypes of leukemia.Conclusions: i FISH analysis is feasible on samples obtained from remote sites in the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, the optimization of the sample storage is necessary to further improve i FISH's performance.

Happy Hypoxia in COVID-19 Patients at Kinshasa University Hospital (Democratic Republic of the Congo): Frequency and Vital Outcome

Background: Happy hypoxia is a new feature found in COVID-19 patients. It consists of the presence of severe hypoxemia but normal breathing rate. Failure to identify this hypoxia may have negative consequences on the survival of the patient. The objective of the present study was to measure the frequency of patients with happy hypoxia and to evaluate their survival at the Kinshasa University Hospital (KUH). Methods: This was a historical cohort of 141 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 at KUH from March 23 to June 15, 2020. Happy hypoxia was defined as oxygen saturation below 90% without dyspnea. Socio-demographic data, co-morbidities, follow up time of hospitalization and outcomes were studied. Survival was assessed using the Kaplan Meier curve. Results: Out of 141 hospitalized patients with COVID-19, 79 (56%) patients were at the severe or critical stage and 9 (6.4%) had a happy hypoxia on admission. Patients who had happy hypoxia on admission were generally older than 60 years of age (55.6%) (p = 0.023). Comparison of survival curves, based on the presence or absence of happy hypoxia, shows a statistically significant difference (p = 0.001). The presence of happy hypoxia reduces survival. Conclusion: The frequency of happy hypoxia among COVID-19 patients was low. Survival was reduced in patients with happy hypoxia. Prehospital pulse oximetry could serve as an early warning signal for the detection of happy hypoxemia in COVID-19 patients.

The Profile of Glycated Hemoglobin in Non-Diabetic Pregnant Women with Preeclampsia: A Case-Control Study in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of Congo

Background: A disturbed glucose metabolism is quite common during pregnancy. It is due to the diabetogenic potential of pregnancy and responsible for many obstetric complications. The glycated hemoglobin is one of the markers used to depict these disorders. Higher concentrations of this marker would be associated with unfavorable results of pregnancy. Objective: To describe the profile of HbA1c in non-diabetic preeclamptic pregnant women and to establish the association between the values of this marker and the maternal and fetal complications. Materials and Method: This is a case-control study of 142 pregnant women in their second and third trimester. They were followed in the maternity hospitals of University Clinics and the General Reference Hospital in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo between May and October 2019. The sampling of preeclamptic pregnant women was exhaustive. Controls were healthy pregnant women carrying pregnancies of the same type and of the same gestational age as the cases. Ultimately, 71 were preeclamptic and 71 healthy (controls). HbA1c was determined by immunoturbidimetry. Results: A total of 142 pregnant women took part in this study consisting of 71 preeclamptic women (cases) and 71 healthy pregnant women (controls). The average age of these pregnant women was 28.8 ± 6.8 (28.2 ± 6.8 years vs 29.5 ± 6.8 years p = 0.559), with an average parity of 2.3 ± 1.5 (2.2 ± 1.7 vs 2.4 ± 1.2, p = 0.005). The majority were carriers of monofoetal pregnancy. Higher HbA1c values were observed in the preeclamptic pregnant women compared to the controls (5.7 ± 1.3% vs 4.8 ± 0.7%, p 0.001). The proportion of pregnant women with pathological HbA1c values (>5.6%) was also higher in the group of preeclamptic pregnant women (46.5% vs 9.9%, p Conclusion: This study established that 46.5% of non-diabetic pregnant women with preeclampsia have high HbA1c values, which moreover are associated with preeclampsia and its complications. Systematic screening is essential for detecting preeclampsia or diabetes or both.

Study of Biofilm Formation and Antibiotic Resistance Pattern of Bacteria Isolated from Diabetic Foot Ulcers in Hôpital de Référence Saint Joseph, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo

Foot infections resulting from biofilm producers and multi-drug resistant organisms is one of the most important complications of diabetes mellitus, as it can impede the wound healing process. This study was carried out in order to determine the antibiotic resistance pattern and the biofilm production in diabetic foot ulcers isolates. Clinical samples were collected from patients suffering from diabetic foot ulcers by using sterile swabs. Antibiotic susceptibility test was done using disk diffusion method on Mueller Hinton Agar. Biofilm formation was assessed by Crystal Violet Staining Method. Staphylococcus aureus isolates were resistant to ofloxacin (83.3%), ciprofloxacin (75.0%), trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole (75.0%), and gentamicin (58.8%) but very sensitive to oxacillin (100.0%) and vancomycin (91.7%). Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates showed resistance to the commonly used antibiotics such as ofloxacin, cefotaxime, ampicillin (81.8%), ceftazidime and imipenem (72.7%). The majority of bacteria studied were biofilm producers. This study showed that bacteria isolated from diabetic foot ulcers were biofilm producers and presented resistance to commonly used antibiotics. Knowledge on antibiotic sensitivity pattern and biofilm phenotype of the isolates will be helpful in determining the drugs for the treatment of diabetic ulcers.

An efficient and comparative adsorption of Congo red and Trypan blue dyes on MgO nanoparticles: Kinetics, thermodynamics and isotherm studies

Cubic phase of Mg O nanoparticles were prepared by microwave-assisted combustion synthesis and investigated for the removal of toxic dyes like Congo Red(CR)and Trypan blue(TB).The crystallite size of the Mg O nanoparticle was calculated to be 18 nm from XRD pattern.The sample was further characterized by FTIR,TGA and FESEM techniques.The dyes were subjected to prototypical batch adsorption process,including investigation of different parameters like Mg O dosage,dye concentration,solution pH,agitation speed and temperature.It was found that,0.2 g of Mg O NPs showed maximum removal efficiency for both the dyes(more than 98%),having 25 ppm of dye concentration at an acidic p H(3–4).The maximum loading capacity of Mg O NPs was obtained to be 136 mg/g and 132 mg/g for CR and TB,respectively.Different thermodynamic parameters like△G^(0),△H^(0)and△S^(0)were measured.The negative△H^(0)and the positive△S^(0)values for both the dyes correspond to an exothermic process and an increase in randomness of the adsorbent and dye.The isotherm analysis exhibited that the Freundlich model fits better to the experimental equilibrium data,suggesting heterogeneous surface of the nanoparticles.Whereas,the kinetic data revealed a pseudo 2 nd order rate for adsorption process.

Expectant Management of Preterm Ruptured Membranes before 34 Gestational Weeks at the University Hospital of Kinshasa, a Tertiary Referral Hospital in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Premature Rupture of Membranes (PROM) with the resulting prematurity remains a major public health issue in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This study aimed to assess expectant management of PPROM before 34 weeks at the university hospital of Kinshasa. We conducted a retrospective analysis of expectantly managed PROM before 34 weeks between January 2008 and December 2018. Maternal and fetal outcomes were collected, and all data were analyzed using the SPSS 23.0 software. Of the 113 patients included in the study, 2.6% were diagnosed with PROM before 34 weeks. We observed prolongation of the pregnancy duration;the median latency period was eight days, and the average gestational age at delivery of 32.85 ± 2.5 weeks. Chorioamnionitis (23%), severe oligoamnios (7%), and acute fetal distress (4%) were complications observed during the latency period. In the postpartum period, endometritis (6.2%), neonatal jaundice (39.8%), anemia (25.7%), ulcerative necrotizing enterocolitis (6.2%), cerebromeningeal hemorrhage (5.3%), and acute respiratory distress syndrome (4.4%) were complications observed. The risk of infection during the latency period was significantly associated with irregular (P = 0.045) or lack (P = 0.006) antenatal care (ANC) attendances and C-Reactive Protein (CRP) results 6 (P = 0.013). The risk of neonatal death was significantly associated to infection during the latency period (P = 0.011), irregular (P = 0.009) or lack of ANC (P = 0.000) attendances, Birth weight g (P = 0.039) as well as Gestational age at birth between 28 to 30 Weeks (S) (P = 0.021). These findings report first-time pregnancy outcomes related to the management of PPROM before 34 weeks in our setting. We found that the conservative attitude adopted allowed the prolongation of pregnancies, reducing the risks associated with prematurity. Nevertheless, attendance in good quality ANC could reduce the frequency of PROM and related adverse outcomes.

Post Debarking Response of Prunus africana (Hook. F) Kalkman (Rosaceae) Trees at Two Exploitation Sites in North Kivu (Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo)

Prunus africana is a species of great economic, medicinal and ecological importance. Due to its multiple uses, unsustainable exploitation methods and low regeneration capacity in tropical rainforests, this species is threatened with extinction. Present and exploited in the eastern part of DR Congo, knowledge of the dynamics of post-bark regeneration of Prunus africana remains fragmentary and poorly known. In North Kivu province, this species thrives in both afromontane forest and lowland tropical rainforest habitats. In order to contribute to the rational and sustainable exploitation of Prunus africana in this province, this paper was carried out with the objective of contributing to the knowledge of the dynamics of the regeneration of post-harvest bark of Prunus africana in two exploitation sites (low and high altitude). To achieve this objective, the inventory was conducted on 16 plots of 25 hectares each, with 8 plots per site. Dendrometric parameters (diameter at breast height (DBH), total tree height) and tree growth and regeneration parameters, i.e., stem bark thickness of the unharvested and harvested portions of the trees (bark reconstitution) were measured. A total of 716 barked stems of Prunus africana in 2016 in 25 hectares constituted the study sample. Results show that sites do not influence diameter at breast height of P. africana trees (p > 0.05) or total tree height. The bark diameter of harvested trees and the bark diameter of unharvested trees varied significantly by site (p 0.05). In contrast, the annual growth rate of bark differed with altitude;the highest rate was observed in trees growing at high altitude (2.97 ± 0.9 mm/yr) compared to 2.23 ± 0.74 mm/yr at low altitude. In view of these results, this study indicates that a half-rotation of 7 years could allow an effective reconstitution of the bark of Prunus africana at the second passage on the remaining side of the same stem.

Vaginal Colonization and Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern of Group B <i>Streptococcus</i>Isolated from Pregnant Women in Maternitéde l’Hôpital Des Soeurs de Pauvres de Bergame de Kimbanseke, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a Gram-positive bacterium which often colonizes maternal vaginal and rectal epitheliums and can be transmitted to the neonate during delivery. GBS infections may cause significant maternal and neonatal morbidity, including sepsis, pneumonia and meningitis. In Democratic Republic of Congo, few studies have been done on GBS colonization of pregnant women. This study was conducted in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo in order to determine the prevalence of GBS vaginal colonization among pregnant women at a gestational age of 35 - 37 weeks and the antibiotic susceptibility. Vaginal swabs of 104 pregnant women were inoculated onto Chromatic Strepto B medium. GBS isolates were identified by Gram staining, catalase test, blue-green colonies and confirmed to be GBS by Strepto B latex test kit. Antibiotic susceptibility test was done using the disc diffusion method. The prevalence of GBS vaginal colonization was 23.07%. Of the isolates studied 100%, 75%, 62.5%, 50% were sensitive to vancomycin, clindamycin, cefazolin, and erythromycin respectively. Our findings seem to suggest that maternal GBS colonization rate in this study was higher compared to a previous report from Bukavu in Democratic Republic of Congo. All isolates were found to be sensitive to vancomycin which was the most effective antibiotic for the treatment of GBS infections.

Recent Data on Birds of Kinshasa in Democratic Republic of Congo

The study aimed at understanding the current avifauna characteristics, like composition, species diversity and evolution, in the city of Kinshasa. The study was conducted from 2006 to 2014, using observation, photography and Japanese nets. Results of the study indicate that there are 131 species of birds, which represents 40 families and 16 orders. Avifauna of Kinshasa represents 11% of species of the all country. Among those species, 12 are new. Passerines are the most, representing 86 species and 21 families, and are the most diversified. Few species have extended their geographical distribution and some are migratory. Overtime, avian fauna of Kinshasa region has undergone a lot of changes in its composition and diversity. Horizontal extension of the city associated with the consecutive various changes of the habitats seems to be the principal factors which modulate those characteristics. However, the study found that the majority of these species were under precarious statute of conservation.

Trace Metal Levels of Groundwater,Surface Water and Sediments in Kinsevere Industrial Zone and Its Surroundings,Southeastern Democratic Republic of Congo

Arsenic,barium,bismuth,cadmium,cesium,chromium,cobalt,copper,iron,lead,manganese,molybdenum,nickel,strontium,thallium,tungsten,uranium,vanadium,and zinc concentrations were investigated in forty-two groundwater samples,twenty-four surface water and six surface sediment samples in Kinsevere industrial zone and its surroundings in February and march 2017,January,February and March 2018 to evaluate the potential human health risk.Chemical analyses were carried out by using ICP-SF-MS(Inductively Coupled Plasma-Sector Field Mass Spectrometry,Thermo Scientific Element II).The trace metals were detected at various concentrations in all the analyzed samples.Pb,Mn and Fe concentrations exceeded the European Union acceptable maximum limits for water intended for human consumption in 4.76%,28.57%and 61.90%of the groundwater samples,respectively and in 0%,50%and 100%of the surface water samples,respectively.As,Cr,Cu and Ni concentrations exceeded the recommended lower sediment quality guideline values in 33.33%,50%,83.33%and 83.33%of the surface sediment samples,respectively.All those elevated trace metal concentrations in the groundwater,surface water and sediments represent a risk for the health of local population as well as for aquatic organisms.

前交叉韧带重建后Pro-kin平衡系统训练患膝本体感觉和平衡功能的评价

背景:Pro-kin平衡系统指导对脑卒中患者的下肢本体感觉及躯干控制功能有较为优良的康复效果,但其对前交叉韧带重建术后患者患膝本体感觉和平衡功能影响的报道较少。目的:探讨基于Pro-kin平衡系统指导康复训练对膝关节前交叉韧带重建术后患膝本体感觉和平衡功能的影响。方法:纳入2021年1月至2022年8月海南省中医院收治的84例前交叉韧带断裂重建术后患者,采用随机数字表法分为观察组与对照组,每组42例。对照组患者术后接受常规康复训练,观察组患者术后在接受常规康复训练的基础上给予基于Pro-kin平衡系统指导的康复训练,持续训练8周。训练前及训练结束后,采用Lysholm评分、国际膝关节文献委员会评分评估患者膝关节功能变化,平均负重力量差、轨迹误差、摆动数值及患肢膝关节30°,45°,60°被动成角误差评估患膝本体感觉变化,睁眼、闭眼状态下的运动轨迹面积及长度评估患者平衡功能变化,并调查两组患者对康复训练的满意度。结果与结论:①训练结束后,两组患者Lysholm评分、国际膝关节文献委员会评分均高于干预前(P<0.01),且观察组上述评分高于对照组(P<0.01);②训练结束后,两组患者平均负重力量差、轨迹误差、摆动数值均小于干预前(P<0.01),且观察组上述指标检测值均小于对照组(P<0.01);两组患者患肢膝关节30°,45°,60°被动成角误差均小于干预前(P<0.01),且观察组上述被动成角误差均小于对照组(P<0.05,P<0.01);③训练结束后,两组患者睁眼状态下的运动轨迹面积及长度均小于干预前(P<0.01),且观察组上述指标检测值均小于对照组(P<0.05,P<0.01);两组患者闭眼状态下的运动轨迹面积及长度均小于干预前(P<0.01),且观察组上述指标检测值均小于对照组(P<0.01);④观察组患者对干预康复效果的满意度高于对照组(95%,81%,P<0.05);⑤结果表明,与常规康复训练相比,基于Pro-kin平衡系统指导的康复训练对前交叉韧带断裂重建术后患者患侧膝关节功能、本体感觉和平衡功能的改善效果更为显著,患者满意度较高。

A Pilot Study about the First Cases of Coronary Angioplasty in Democratic Republic of Congo/Kinshasa: Patient Profile

Background: The objective of this pilot study was to describe clinical profile, electric, echocardiographic and angiographic caracteristics with procedural outcome of congolease patients undergoing coronarography in the first and only one cardiac catheterization center opened in Kinshasa. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out over a period from October 2019 (date of establishment of the first coronary angiography unit in DR Congo) to March 2021. We proceeded to a serial sampling of the consecutive cases of all the patients who have an angiographic exploration of coronary arteries. Clinical, ECG and cardiac ultrasound data were collected in all patients. The indications for the coronary angiography examination were set by differents cardiologists on the basis of repolarization troubles in the electrocardiogram, cinetic troubles in echocardiography, positive stress test and chest pain in patients with cardiovascular risq factors. Results: The serie (47 patients) was predominantly male with a sex ratio M/W of 2.6. The average age was 59.8 ± 10.5 years. Arterial hypertension (HBP) was the main risk factor (89.4%);followed by diabetes mellitus (14.9%). Chest pain was the main functional sign with an atypical character in 44.7%. The ECG showed ST segment depression (17%) and T wave inversion (17%), the anterior region being the most affected. Hypokinesia was the most common echocardiographic abnormality (34%), followed by akinesia (10.6%). The anteroseptal and apical territories were affected in 12.8%. Dilated myocardiopathy (DMC) was significantly predominant in the male sex (29.4% vs 7.7%;p = 0.011). With radial puncture as the main approach, coronary angiography was pathological in 44% revealing mono-truncal lesions. The left coronary network was the most affected: the middle inter ventricular artery (12.8%), the proximal interventricular artery (10.6%) and the proximal circonflex artery (10.6%). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, age (for age > 50 years for men and >60 years for women), arterial hypertension and dilated cardiomyopathy emerged as independent determinants of pathological coronary angiography. Transluminal angioplasty was performed in 27.7% of patients. The bypass indication was retained in 4.3% of cases and medical treatment in 68%. Conclusion: Coronary angiography was used to diagnose lesions responsible for ischemic heart disease and to treat 27.7% of patients locally. The young age of patients and limited financial resources encourage the strengthening of preventive measures against cardio vascular risq factors.

Palaeogene Sandstones of the Manika Plateau in Kolwezi (DR Congo): Sedimentological and Geochemical Characterization, Provenance, Palaeoalteration and Tectonic Context

This work presents a study of the Paleogene sandstones of the Manika plateau in Kolwezi, DR Congo. These sandstones belong to the “Grès polymorphes” group, which together with the overlying “Sables ocre” makes up the Kalahari Supergroup. Sedimentological and geochemical analyses have enabled us to characterize these sandstones and determine their origin, the conditions of their formation and the tectonic context in which they were developed. The results show that the sandstones are quartz arenites with a high level of mineralogical, textural and chemical maturity. They are recycled sandstones, formed in an intracratonic sedimentary basin, in the context of a passive continental margin, after a long fluvial transport of sediments. These sandstones initially come from intense alteration of magmatic rocks with felsic composition, mainly tonalite-trondhjemite-granodiorite (TTG) complexes, in hot, humid palaeoclimatic conditions and oxidizing environments.

Fatty Acid Composition of Hazelnut Kernel Oil from Coula edulis Collected in the Republic of Congo

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.