Occurrence and Distribution of <i>Banana bunchy top virus</i>Related Agro-Ecosystem in South Western, Democratic Republic of Congo

Banana bunchy top virus (BBTV) is one of the most severe and widespread virus limiting production and distribution of planting material of banana (Musa spp.) crops in the world. In Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), these crops play a major role in daily life of almost 70% of citizen. Many factors influence banana production negatively such as Banana bunchy top disease. Epidemiological survey was conducted in experimental stations and farmers’ fields for two consecutive seasons covering 72 sites in five provinces of south western of RDC. The objective of this study was to evaluate the presence and distribution of the Banana bunchy top virus in five provinces of South Western of DRC, with emphasis on the agro-ecological factors. A total of 174 Musa spp. leaves samples were collected and analyzed by PCR. The results revealed the presence of BBTV in all provinces investigated. The frequency of BBTV was 6.3% in Bandundu, 12.1% in Kasa?Oriental, 17.8% Bas Congo, 1.1% in Katanga and 7.5% Kinshasa Urban and Peri-urban. Results also revealed that BBTV occurred in experimental station and farmers’ fields, both having all cooking and dessert bananas. The high prevalence of BBTV seemed to be linked to multiple introductions of planting materials in the Bas Congo province during 1990 and 2002. However, the province of Katanga had not experienced the introduction of planting material. This factor would explain the lowest prevalence of Banana bunchy top virus in this province. The results indicated that there was a real need to facilitate access to genetically improved and healthy certified planting material in these provinces.

Investigating Non-Compliance with COVID-19 Vaccination through Hesitancy, Refusal, and Access Limitation: A Community-Based Survey from the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Introduction: Vaccination plays a pivotal role in mitigating the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, vaccination campaigns encounter obstacles, especially in developing countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This study aimed at investigating the roles of vaccine hesitancy, refusal, and access barriers, while identifying individual-level factors associated with non-vaccination in Mbujimayi, DRC. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in three health districts and included 1496 residents. Attitudes and behaviors related to seeking COVID-19 vaccination were assessed using a standardized questionnaire. Hierarchical logistic regression modeling was used to assess factors potentially affecting non-compliance with vaccination. Results: Among participants (median age = 33, IQR = 23.3, M/F sex ratio = 0.7), 60% displayed misconceptions about COVID-19 or its vaccine, while only 35.2% perceived COVID-19 as a significant health threat. Vaccination coverage was estimated at 49.1% (95% CI: 47.5;52.6), with 71.8% of vaccinated individuals having received one dose. Among the unvaccinated individuals, 50.9% expressed no intention to be vaccinated in the future, citing hesitation (30.4%) or refusal (39.6%) mainly due to side effects or distrust of vaccines. Conversely, 32.7% of the unvaccinated persons expressed access barriers despite willingness to be vaccinated. Misconceptions about COVID-19 and its vaccines were the main drivers of vaccination non-compliance. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate significant vaccine non-compliance driven by hesitancy, refusal, and access barriers. Strategies to enhance vaccination coverage and pandemic preparedness should address misconceptions, sociodemographic barriers, and geographic disparities.

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.

Slightly Analyze the Historical Causes of Walt. Whitman's Democratic Poems

Walt·Whitman was one of the famous poets in American literary field. He is remembered by his masterpiece-Leaves of Grass, which composes a lot of his democratic ideas. His democratic poems and his writing styles have their historical background which helped form his democratic ideas.

On the Hong Kong Newspaper's Role in the Democratic Revolution

Since the Cession of Hong Kong for the British since the news of speech terms is strictly limited, long-term Hong Kong residents can not participate in local politics. But to allow discussion of political affairs in China outside Hong Kong. Thus, the various historical periods in the future, the progressive intellectuals to Hong Kong newspaper, publicity revolution, the process of democratic revolution in China, plays a very important role.

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.

Emergence of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza in Democratic People's Republic of Korea

In the past decade,there has been extensive global surveillance for highly pathogenic avian influenza(HPAI)infection in both animals and humans,however,few studies on epidemiology of avian influenza in Democratic People’s Republic of Korea(DPRK)were published.During the period 2013–2014,HPAI H5N1 viruses were detected with outbreaks in domestic poultry in DPRK.Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the hemagglutinin gene of all samples belonged to clade 2.3.2.1c with high homology.The HPAI H5N1 virus found in ducks at the Tudan Duck Farm in 2013 was might introduced by migratory birds and then led to the outbreaks on neighboring chicken farms in 2014.These data provide direct evidence for the transmission of avian influenza viruses from wild birds to waterfowl to terrestrial birds.Therefore,the monitoring and control of influenza virus in ducks must be given top priority,which are essential components to prevent and control HPAI.

How to Develop a Realist Evaluation to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Integrated Management of Childhood Illness Strategy in Community Care Sites in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Background: In sub-Saharan Africa, the DRC ranks among countries with high infant mortality. To solve this problem, the Health Ministry has set up a programme: the use of integrated management childhood illness (IMCI) in community care sites (CCSs) managed by non-health professional persons known as community health workers (CHW). This approach has not yet been integrated into the health pyramid. This is why we chose the Realist Evaluation Approach to evaluate the effectiveness of this programme on Universal Access to care for children under 5 years of age in the DRC. Methods/design: To conduct this exploratory study which is essentially a descriptive case study, we applied the principles of a realist evaluation by context—mechanisms—effects explained in the conceptual framework. The preliminary theory of the programme was elaborated by data collection through a literature review coupled with semi-structured interviews with key informants who were managers of the government programme and technical and financial partners of the programme. Results: IMCI has been evaluated and shown its positive contribution in the reduction of global children mortality. In the DRC, summaries of data collection through a literature review coupled with semi-structured interviews showed the same result. However, under criticism, based on the data collected during this exploratory study, it is promisingly apparent that this programme will achieve the objectives assigned to it through the preliminary theory of the programme. Conclusion: The literature review corroborated the effectiveness of the IMCI programme. The application of this programme in CCS with non-health professionals who are Community Health Workers has been shown to be effective in the DRC. Based on this reality, it was possible to define the basis for a realist evaluation of the effectiveness of the programme in CCS.

Evaluation of Clinical Laboratory Tests’ Turnaround Time in a Tertiary Hospital in Democratic Republic of the Congo

The delay in the delivery of laboratory results can be fatal and can even lead to the death of patients. This study was conducted at the clinical laboratory of the University Hospital of Kinshasa (UHK) from October 2020 to April 2021, aimed to evaluate the laboratory tests’ turnaround time (TAT) and to identify reasons for delay. TAT was quantified using a time and motion analysis approach. The evaluation of TAT consisted of comparing the overall intra-lab TAT with the suggested TAT using student t-test at 95% confidence intervals. Brainstorming was the root cause analysis tool used for identifying reasons for delay. In this study, the laboratory tests’ TATs were significantly higher (p < 0.001) comparing to international guidelines (60 minutes) and customers’ suggested TAT (120 minutes). Only 0.98% of the samples were reported within 60 minutes of patient reception and 1.47% within 120 minutes, i.e. an outlier rate of 98.5%. Root causes of delay related to Machinery, Management, Manpower, Materials, Method and Milieu. Because of many reasons, the laboratory is not meeting the established TAT. Preventive and curative measures must be undertaken to reduce the delay and improve the TAT.

A Case-Control Study of Obstetric Fistula Risk Factors in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Background: Pregnant women in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are at increased risk for developing obstetric fistulas (OFs) as a result of obstructed labor, in conditions similar to many other African countries. No case-control study of biological and social risk factors for OF has been reported from the DRC. This study aimed to identify factors that would aid in prevention and early identification of women who are at risk of developing OF. Methods: Participants were enrolled in a case-control study at four obstetric clinics in the central DRC. Cases of OF were evaluated as they presented, then a control participant was enrolled among women presenting subsequently to the same clinic, seeking to match parity at the time of the fistula and tribe of the case. A questionnaire was administered to elicit physical, obstetric, demographic, socioeconomic, religion, geographic, and delivery attributes of the participants. Case-control comparisons sought to identify independent risk factors for OF in the total case-control pairs and in subgroups of the participants. Logistic regression was utilized to identify independent risk factors for OF in the total case-control study group and in selected subgroups of the participants, and linear regression was utilized to estimate the variation explained between case and control outcomes from the variables independently significant in the logistic regression models. Results: A total of 177 case-control pairs were enrolled. Among all pairs, shorter height of the case (odds ratio = 1.06, 95% Confidence Limits 1.02 - 1.12);more kilometers travelled to the delivery site (1.02, 1.01 - 1.02);her village, not town, residence (OR = 5.52, 2.72 - 11.2), and her lower professional status (2.95, 1.53 - 5.72) were statistically independent factors associated with OF development. When applied in linear regression comparison of the pairs, these variables yielded an r2 = 0.48, imputing 48% of the difference in delivery outcome between the pairs was explained by these variables. Among the 38 pairs who were primigravida, the independent variables were more kilometers travelled to the delivery site (1.02, 1.00 - 1.05), village, not town, residence (50.0, 10.2 - 248.7), and facility intended for lower patient acuity (3.7 s, 1.01 - 13.6, r2 = 0.66) patients who were matched on parity and tribe, the significant risk factors were professional status (OR = 0.29), greater distance travelled to the clinic (OR = 1.02, 1.01 - 1.02), village, not town, residence (5.52, 2.72 - 11.2), and mother’s lower professional status (2.95, 1.53 - 5.72) when the OF occurred. Conclusions: Our study showed biological and social factors associated with the development of OF. Shorter height was the only biological risk factor found to be statistically significant in the study population. Other factors were related to limited resources and limited access to medical care.

Human seroreactivity against Bartonella species in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Objective:To assess the presence and identity of Bartonella species in a pool of human blood samples from DRC Congo.Methods:Blood(±120μL) was collected anonymously from Congolese patients and placed on calibrated filter papers.Bartonella serology determination was performed using an indirect immun of luorescence assay(IFA) against six specific Bartonella antigens and Coxiella burnetii(C.burnetii) antigen.The end cut- of f value for Bartonella sp.was a titre greater than 1200.Results:None of the patients was positive for Bartonella elizabethae, Bartonella vinsonii subsp.vinsonii or Bartonella vinsonii subsp.arupensis nor for C.burnetti, but 4.5%of the 1SS samples were positive for either Bartonella henselae,Bartonella quintana, or Bartonella clarridgeiae.Conclusions:This preliminary study presents the first report of Bartonella species in the DR Congo and the first report of antibodies to Bartonella clarridgeiae in an African human population.Although few experimental trials have established the link between fleas and Bartonella transmission,the repeated detection of similar Bartonella species in fleas and humans in several countries suggests that Bartonellosis could be another flea-borne disease which specific reservoirs are still unknown.

The road towards sustainable control of schistosomiasis in the Democratic Republic of Congo:Pre-assessment of staff performance and material resources in endemic regions

Objective: To improve knowledge and practice of health staff as well as the availability of material resources for diagnosis and management of schistosomiasis in two endemic provinces of DRC(Kinshasa and Bas-Congo).Methods: Structured interviews were performed using questionnaires with staff from 35 healthcare facilities in 9 health zones(HZ) of Kinshasa and 2 HZ in Bas-Congo.Results: Schistosomiasis was reported to be present in all the included HZ.Health staff knew the most important symptoms of schistosomiasis, but advanced symptoms were more accurately reported in Bas-Congo.Knowledge of symptoms related to schistosomiasis such as anemia(P = 0.0 115) and pollakiuria(P = 0.0 260) was statistically different in both two provinces.Kato-Katz technique and urine filtration were unavailable in both provinces.Parasitological diagnosis was mostly performed using the direct smear method.PZQ was available in 70% of the health facilities, all situated in Bas-Congo.Diagnosis and treatment mostly relied on symptoms and cost more in urban area than in rural.Conclusions: Though knowledge on schistosomiasis among health staff appears sufficient, substantial efforts still must be made to improve the availability of diagnostic tools and treatment in the health facilities in DRC.

A Study on the Pre-legislative Evaluation System under the Deepening Reform

In the historical period of the all-round deepening reform,China has entered a new era of“deepening the practice of governing the country by law”.With the fifth amendment of the Constitution,the legislative power of local government has been further confirmed.The expansion of local legislative power has put forward new requirements for the legislative quality,and the pre-legislative evaluation system has thus come into being.The deficiency of the design of the pre-legislative evaluation system in Article 39 of The Legislative Law makes certain problems in the detailed rules of implementation,the subject of evaluation,the object of evaluation and the personnel of the pre-legislative evaluation system in China.Therefore,it is the only way to perfect the pre-legislative evaluation system in China to formulate a national pre-legislative evaluation implementation rules,define the subject of third-party evaluation,determine the scope of evaluation objects and select the suitable evaluation personnel.

Quality Control of Juices Produced in Democratic Republic of Congo and Marketed in Lubumbashi

The consumption of juice has increased sharply in recent years in Lubumbashi. The objective of this study was to determine the standards applicable to the types of juice for domestic consumption in Lubumbashi. A descriptive cross-sectional study on quality control (QC) of ten brands of juice selected from around thirty listed on the Lubumbashi markets focused on the determination of different physico-chemical and microbiological parameters. Physical analysis of the juices was carried out in the laboratory of the Congolese Office of Control (OCC) in February 2019. It appears that five samples, or 25%, have a density lower than the ISO 9001 standard. All the samples have a Brix Degree in accordance with French standards applicable by the Congolese control office. The chemical analysis shows that 4 samples, or 20%, have a pH 4, therefore higher than the prescribed standards. As for the titratable acidity and the formaldehyde index, all the samples have values within normal limits. On the other hand, the glucose level of all the samples is abnormally high (≥40 g/L). The sucrose level of 50% of the samples is normal (≥80 g/L). Microbiological analysis revealed that certain juices were without preservatives and harbored aerobic mesophilic germs (10%), lactic bacteria (20%) yeasts and molds (10%). It is urgent that the public authorities bring all the producers to respect the standards in order to protect the health of the populations.

Democratic Values of Mongolians Becoming as a Pillar of Perspectives of Democracy, Human Rights, Freedom, and Legitimacy

The modern democracy in Mongolia has changed from ideology and desires into the daily actions and real-life needs of achievement of the people. The content of this article aimed to categorize the democracy development process and its challenges and opportunities in promoting democratic governance in Mongolia;such brought specific approaches of the changes and difficulties. The content of research article contextual approaches are characterized by own individual research data on democracy as basis on the use of the work and the independent research findings of the researcher. On the overview of process of uncut democracy consolidation, the democracy development in Mongolia managed to the most consistent principles and fundamental values of democracy up to second half of the 1990s. From the second half of the 1990s till the election in 2004, within this term, the following challenges and difficulties risen to action of slowing down that forming of political parties, grouped into fractional, blockage of post-trafficking, conspiracy, and to be corrupted and bribery as mentioned as newly adverse phenomena have begun to the democracy development.

RETRACTED: Prevalence and Profile of Hepatitis B Virus Infection among HIV-Infected Adults at Panzi Referral Hospital, in the Post-Conflict South Kivu Province, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

Short Retraction Notice? The paper does not meet the standards of "World Journal of AIDS". This article has been retracted to straighten the academic record. In making this decision the Editorial Board follows COPE's Retraction Guidelines. The aim is to promote the circulation of scientific research by offering an ideal research publication platform with due consideration of internationally accepted standards on publication ethics. The Editorial Board would like to extend its sincere apologies for any inconvenience this retraction may have caused.? Editor guiding this retraction: Prof. Linda D. Moneyham (EiC of WJA) Please see the article page for more details.? The?full retraction notice in PDF is preceding the original paper which is marked "RETRACTED".

Quality of Water Adjusted Sources and Storage in the Households of the Sanitized Villages in Area of National Program of Sanitized Schools and Villages at Tshopo Province in Republic Democratic of Congo

Introduction: The present research paper aims at assessing the bacteriological water quality in households and at provisioning points, and so factors of water deterioration. Method: a transverse study has been conducted during the period starting from 11 up to 28 October 2018 within 6 Health Zones (HZ) in Tshopo Province integrated in National Program of Schools and Sanitized Villages (NPSSV). Water samples have been collected within 300 reserves of households and 30 water provisioning and analysed points in order to find out water contamination factors. The frequencies and raw OR have been estimated at (p < 0.05) valued significative. Results: fecal coliforms (80% CI95: 75% - 85%) and total (97% CI95: 95% - 99%) were significantly present in water reserves and the presence of Escherichia coli were at about 27% (IC95 22% - 32%). These proportions were correspondingly at 63%, 90% and 10% at water provisioning. The fecal coliforms were the highest in water reserves of sanitized villages (p < 0.05) and Escherichia coli were at about three times higher in traditional sources (17% vs 6%). The duration of water conservation was around 48 hours and more (OR = 4.41;IC95: 1.92 - 10.11), water classification of sanitized risk “intermedium” and the recipients of conservation with bottleneck were associated with the presence of E.coli in water (p < 0.05). Conclusion: water from provisioning sources and household reserves are severely polluted and water quality is not good at consumption point and at provisioning point. The reinforcement of safety measures at water points, reduction of conservation length and hygienic water cleaning of storage water recipients are necessary to assure quality of water.

Changing Places:On the Use of Utopia and the Role of a Place Alarm System

In the paper,the experience of contradictions and conflicts as a normal feature of social change and evolutionary trends,is discussed.Contradictions normally destabilize a system,causing dilemmas and conflicts.However,the paper warns against thinking of destabilization as dysfunctional,as complex systems require a high degree of instability to deal with changes in the environment.Dealing with instabilities requires systems,which can produce alarms that signal a need to regain additional options for development and introduce them into the planning process.The paper introduces the concept of a place alarm system,which uses visions and utopias in various forms for alarm purposes.To illustrate this kind of thinking,the paper first presents a model of an alarm system,which demonstrates how we can deal with contradictions by including the temporal dimension in our analyses of place systems and bring broader temporal horizons into consideration.As an example,contradictions increase when we consider the future from the perspective of the present;the present future multiplies contradictions.On the other hand,viewing the present from the future(future present),creates possibilities for goal-directed planning to avoid the problems,which have produced alarm signals.As the paper demonstrates,these two possibilities of what may be called reflexive and utopian temporal modalizations,are not given as alternatives,but mutually imply each other.The paper then presents two case illustrations,which demonstrate how to deal with conflict and contradictions to facilitate collective and goal-directed planning,using the alarm system framework.In both cases,we are witnessing place planning processes,which lack the necessary requisite variety(Ashby,1956)to deal effectively with the environmental complexity and internal conflicts facing the local communities.As indicated in the analyses,the present planning regimes do not promote variety and vitality regarding current place developments.

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.