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.

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.

Contributions of the Measles Follow-Up Vaccination Campaign to Improving the Vaccination Coverage of Children Aged 6 - 59 Months in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2019

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.

The Debate on Democratic Revolution in Japan in the 1920s

Anti-hegemonic movements in Japan had occurred frequently since the early 20th century,and democratic revolution debate in the 1920s was the first significant domestic debate on future development strategy.Various discussions on it from Japanese academia involved state power,absolutism,agrarian revolution,and revolutionary strategy,etc.An analysis of early Japanese scholars’perspectives on the democratic revolution helps to know about the social milieu in Japan at that time,and is of positive significance to comprehend the development process of the current Japanese democratic revolution.

Assessment of Trace Metals in Soils of North-Eastern Lubumbashi （Upper-Katanga Province, Democratic Republic of Congo）

Concentrations of Co, Cu, Cr, Fe, Pb and Zn were investigated in samples of five types of soils： Dembo soil SDC, red clay soil SAR, red clay soil with black spots SAK, lateritic soil SLS and garbage dump soil SNB from the North-eastern Lubumbashi city in the Democratic Republic of Congo from February to July 2011, corresponding to three months （February-April） of rainy season and three months （May-July） of dry season. Of the five soil types, SDC and SNB had higher Co, Cr, Fe and Pb concentrations at A and B horizons than the other soils. In those two soil types, respective mean concentrations of Co were 143 mg/kg and 485 mg/kg; those of Cr were 105 mg/kg and 124 mg/kg, those of Fe were 42,420 mg/kg and 41,327 mg/kg, and those of Pb were 21 mg/kg and 1,837 mg/kg. Both SDC and SNB soils had also high organic matter content varying from 4.04% to 13.36% and from 5.8% to 11.9%, respectively. Their pH values ranged from 6.9 to 7.8 and from 7.3 to 8.0, respectively.

Trace Metal Contamination of Sediments in Naviundu River Basin, Luano and Ruashi Rivers and Luwowoshi Spring in Lubumbashi City, Democratic Republic of Congo

As （Arsenic）, Ba （Barium）, Cr （Chromium）, Cu （Copper）, Fe （Iron）, Mne （Manganese）, Pb （Lead） and Zn （Zinc） concentrations were investigated in sediments collected from fifteen sampling locations in Naviundu river basin, Luano and Ruashi rivers and Luwowoshi spring in Lubumbashi city from February to April 2016. Chemical analyses of the samples were carried out using a portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometer. Mean pH values ranged from 4.2 to 5.8. The sediment highest mean levels of As （40 mg·kg^-1·dw） and Cu （3,723 mg·kg^-1 ·dw） were noted in Chemaf （Chemicals of Africa） hydrometallurgical plant effluent, those of Pb （51.5mg·kg^-1·dw） and Zn （335mg·kg^-1·dw） were recorded in Kabecha river and those of Ba （657.5mg·kg^-1·dw）, Cr （75 mg·kg^-1·dw）, Mn （591 mg·kg^-1·dw） and Fe （88,450mg·kg^-1·dw） were respectively found in Naviundu river at Cimenkat （Katanga＇s Cement factory） exit, Naviundu river under bridge on De Plaines avenue, Mukulu river and Foire channel. Mean As, Cu and Zn levels of sediments exceeded the corresponding SQGs （Sediment Quality Guidelines）, PELs （Probable Effect Levels） in some of the studied rivers. They could have adverse effects on aquatic organisms in those rivers and on the health of people who depend on the rivers for water supply, irrigation and/or recreation.

Trace Metal Contamination of Water in Naviundu River Basin, Luano and Ruashi Rivers and Luwowoshi Spring in Lubumbashi City, Democratic Republic of Congo

Aluminum （AI）, Vanadium （V）, Chromium （Cr）, Manganese （Mn）, Iron （Fe）, Strontium （Sr）, Molybdenum （Mo）, Silver （Ag）, Cadmium （Cd）, Tin （Sn）, Caesium （Cs）, Barium （Ba）, Lead （Pb）, Bismuth （Bi） and Uranium （U） concentrations were investigated in water samples from fifteen sampling locations in Naviundu river basin, Luano and Ruashi rivers and Luwowoshi spring in Lubumbashi city during February, March and April 2016. Chemical analyses of the samples were carried out using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometer. Water pH was determined using a pH-meter and mean pH values ranged from 4.2 to 5.8. The highest mean levels of Al （5,961.954 μg·L^-1）, Pb （472.287 μg·L^-1）, V （21.014 μg·L^-1）, Cr （8.185μg·L^-1）, U （4.163μg·L^-1） and Bi （0.012 μg·L^-1） were recorded in Chemaf （Chemicals of Africa） hydrometallurgical plant effluent, those of Mn （29,714.593 μg·L^-1）, Sr （374.377μg·L^-1）, Cd （11.358μg·L^-1） and Cs （0.107μg·L^-1） in Naviundu river at Cimenkat （Katanga＇s Cement Factory） exit, those of Fe （14,258.9 μg·L^-1） and Ba （307.641μg·L^-1） in Luano river and those of Ag （2.669 μg·L^-1）, Mo （0.559 μg·L^-1） and Sn （0.325 μg·L^-1） were respectively noted in Foire channel, Naviundu river under bridge on Kasenga road and Kalulako river. The concentrations of Cd in Naviundu river at Cimenkat exit （11.358 μg·L^-1）, Chemaf bydrometallurgical plant effluent （9.697μg·L^-1）, Naviundu river under bridge on De Plaines Avenue （6.95 μg·L^-1） and Kalulako river （3.229 μg·L^-1）, Pb concentrations in Chemaf hydrometallurgical plant effluent （472.287 μg·L^-1） as well as the AI, Fe and Mn concentrations recorded in most waters in this study exceeded the WHO （World Health Organization） maximum permissible limits for drinking water. The metal contamination of waters of the studied rivers, channel and spring might be partially attributed to natural processes, unplanned urbanization and poor waste management, and mostly to abandoned and ongoing mining and ore processing activities in Lubumbashi city.

Trace Metal Contamination of Water in the Lubumbashi River Basin, Kafubu, Kimilolo and Kinkalabwamba Rivers in Lubumbashi City, Democratic Republic of Congo

Concentrations of fifteen trace metals including Aluminum （Al）, Vanadium （V）, Chromium （Cr）, Manganese （Mn）, Iron （Fe）, Strontium （Sr）, Molybdenum （Mo）, Silver （Ag）, Cadmium （Cd）, Tin （Sn）, Caesium （Cs）, Barium （Ba）, Lead （Pb）, Bismuth （Bi） and Uranium （U） were investigated in water samples collected from sixteen sampling locations in the Lubumbashi river basin and five locations in Kafubu, Kimilolo and Kinkalabwamba rivers during February, March and April 2016. Chemical analyses of the samples were carried out using ICP-MS （Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometer）. Water pH was determined using a pH-meter and pH values ranged from 4.2 to 7.8. The highest mean trace metal levels of water were 5,515.816 ）μg·L^-1, 166.925μg·L^-1, 3.898μg·L^-1 and 1.879μg·L^-1 for Al, Ba, Cr and U, respectively in Kashobwe river, 2,419.522 μg·L^-1 and 17.994 μg·L^-1 for Fe and Cd, respectively in Kafubu river at its confluence with Lubumbashi rivers, 1,408.136μg·L^-1 for Mn in Kafubu river 1.36 kilometer downward its confluence with Naviundu river, 222.406 μg·L^-1 and 0.092 μg·L^-1 for Sr and Cs, respectively in Kamalondo river 60 meters from the GCM-Lubumbashi （General of Quarries and Mines-Lubumbashi） smelter, 140.294μg·L^-1, 12.063 μg·L^-1 and 0.008μg·L^-1 for Pb, V and Bi, respectively in Munua river, 3.544 μg·L^-1 for Ag in Kabulameshi river, 1.49 μg·L^-1 for Mo in Kafubu river and 0.081μg·L^-1 for Sn in Tshondo river. The mean concentrations of Al, Cd, Fe, Mn and Pb in water of many rivers and the channel exceeded the maximum admissible limits of the WHO （World Health Organization）, USEPA （United States Environmental Protection Agency） and EU （European Union） drinking-water standards. Trace metal contamination of water of the studied rivers, channel and springs might be partially attributed to natural processes, unplanned urbanization, poor waste management and mostly to abandoned and ongoing mining and ore processing activities in Lubumbashi city.

Assessment of Trace Metal Contamination of Sediments in the Lubumbashi River Basin, Kafubu, Kimilolo and Kinkalabwamba Rivers in Lubumbashi City, Democratic Republic of Congo

Arsenic （As）, Barium （Ba）, Cadmium （Cd）, Cobalt （Co）, Chromium （Cr）, Copper （Cu）, Iron （Fe）, Manganese （Mn）, Lead （Pb） and Zinc （Zn） concentrations were investigated in sediments collected from sixteen sampling sites in the Lubumbashi river basin and five sites in Kafubu, Kimilolo and Kinkalabwamba rivers during February, March and April 2016. Analyses of the samples were carried out using a portable X-RFS （X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer）. Water pH and OM （Organic Matter） content of the sediments were also determined. Trace metal toxicity risk to aquatic organisms was assessed using SQGs （Sediment Quality Guidelines）---TELs （Threshold Effect Levels） and PELs （Probable Effect Levels）---for freshwater sediments. Mean values ofpH and OM ranged from 4.2 to 7.8 and from 1.27% to 6.22%, respectively. The highest mean levels of trace metals in sediments were 5,438 mg·kg-1·dw and 902.5 mg·kg-1·dw for Cu and Co, respectively in Lubumbashi river 1.45 kilometer downward the Lubumbashi Slag heap, 1,534.5 mg·kg-1·dw and 342 mg·kg-1·dwdw for Zn and Pb, respectively at the confluence of Lubumbashi and Kafubu rivers, 108,900 mg·kg-1·dw, 547 mg·kg-1·dw and 174.5 mg·kg-1·dw for Fe, Ba and Cr, respectively in Kinkalabwamba river, 531 mg·kg-1·dw and 22 mg-kgl＇dw for Mn and Cd, respectively in Kimilolo river, and 37 mg·kg-1·dw for As at the confluence of Tshondo and Lubumbashi rivers. The mean concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn in the sediments exceeded the corresponding SQGs＇ PELvalues and could have adverse effects on aquatic organisms of those rivers. Trace metal contamination of the studied sediments might he partially attributed to natural processes, unplanned urbanization and poor waste management and mostly to abandoned and ongoing mining and ore processing activities in Lubumbashi city.

Blood Safety in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: Literature Review

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.

Research on the Role of Democratic Parties in Colleges and Universities in Building Morality and Cultivating People: Taking the General Branch of the Democratic League of Huizhou College as an Example

This article takes the general branch of the Huizhou College of the Democratic League of Huizhou College in recent years as an example. Through literature review, field research, case analysis, and other research methods, it summarized how the Democratic League of Huizhou College made good use of various activity carriers in ideological and political education. It combined discipline construction, scientific research platforms, school-government-enterprise, and other cooperation platforms. From educational methods to subject transformation and integration, and from daily teaching to social practice, it promoted the role of college teachers in the alliance to play the role of cultivating people in the era of college education reform. The aim was to put forward that in educating others, they should first educate themselves, teachers had two-way morality in terms of teacher ethics and professionalism, effectively integrated ideological and political courses into professional teaching and practice, and realized waiting for flowers to bloom in the “context”1 teaching environment like the cultivation effect of salt in water.

Proportion of thyroid cancer and other cancers in the democratic republic of Congo

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.

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.

Occupational Hearing Hazards among Informal Sector Welders in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo

Introduction: Noise, an undesirable sound which is found in all areas of occupational activity, is still a matter of concern given the damage it causes. Various machines and tools, from simple to sophisticated ones, produce several types of noise in the workplace. The purpose of this study was to assess the current status of occupational hearing loss among informal sector welders in the city of Lubumbashi, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study which was conducted among 122 informal sector welders over a period of five months. The study used an anonymous questionnaire on noise exposure in the workplace and collected audio-metric data of welders. The survey collected data on welders who had a minimal three-year duration of employment without the morbidity associated with the Ear Nose Throat (ENT) region. Socio-professional data (age, duration of employment, sex, education), noise exposure, awareness of hazards and audiometric data were taken into account. Results: 122 questionnaires were completed by male subjects, or 100% (n = 122). The mean age of welders was 36.37 ± 11.91 years with extremes being 20 and 63 years. The mean duration of employment was 11.51 ± 9.6 years with extremes being 3 and 44 years. Audiometric data have shown 37.96% (n = 41) of occupational hearing loss. Three degrees of hearing loss were recorded, notably mild hearing loss standing at 80.49% (n = 33);moderate and severe hearing loss standing at 2.44% (n = 1). Ninety-six percent (n = 117) of welders reported not using personal protective equipment (PPE) and 1% (n = 111) were aware of the hazard associated with noise exposure in the workplace. A correlation was found between welders with an advanced age (p < 0.001;RP = 3.66 (2.16 - 6.22)) and hearing loss, and between the duration of employment and hearing loss (p < 0.001;RP = 6.48 (3.32 - 12.65)). Conclusion: In the study area, occupational hearing loss among welders is a relevant fact. Three degrees of hearing loss were identified. Most of those suffering from it have developed a mild type of hearing loss whose continued development can be stopped. Despite the fact that welders are aware of the hazards associated with noise exposure in the workplace, they hardly protect themselves. Lack of a culture of prevention and poor enforcement of the existing laws could account for such a situation. There seems to be a crucial need to put in place a program for protecting the welders’ auditory organs in the workplace.

Evolution of the Immune Status in Children Infected with HIV/AIDS on Antiretroviral Treatment in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo

The objective was to describe the immunological status among children infected with HIV （human immunodeficiency virus） at baseline and their change during the treatment. This longitudinal study conducted at the Center of Excellence in Lubumbashi from 2nd semester, 2011 to the 2nd semester, 2012, examined the records of children who had been receiving antiretroviral therapy for 48 weeks. A count of CD4 ＋ T lymphocytes was performed at the beginning, 24 weeks, and 48 weeks of treatment. The immunological status was defined by the 1996 CDC （centers for disease control） immunological categories. All the children were on zidovudine, lamivudine/nevirapine or Efavirens. At initiation of treatment, severe immunosuppression was found in 56%, moderative in 28% and lacked in 16% of cases. Furthermore, after 48 weeks of treatment, a change in the immunological status was observed in 42% of cases. In contrast, 58% of cases kept in their original status. In this cohort, the immune status has not undergone significant change.

Assessment of Trace Metal Levels of Groundwater in Lubumbashi,Kampemba and Kamalondo Communes of Lubumbashi City,Democratic Republic of Congo

Trace metal levels of groundwater in Lubumbashi,Kampemba and Kamalondo communes of Lubumbashi city were assessed from October 2016 to February 2017.Two hundred forty water samples collected from twenty-two spade-sunk wells and twelve drilled wells in these three communes of Lubumbashi city were analyzed for their metal contents using ICP-SF-MS(Inductively Coupled Plasma-Sector Field Mass Spectrometry).Twenty trace elements including strontium,molybdenum,cadmium,cesium,barium,tungsten,thallium,lead,bismuth,uranium,aluminum,vanadium,chromium,manganese,iron,cobalt,nickel,copper,zinc and arsenic were recorded at varying concentrations in all the water samples and were compared with the WHO(World Health Organization),US EPA(Environmental Protection Agency)and EU(European Union)drinking water MCLs(Maximum Concentration Limits)for cadmium,barium,thallium,lead,uranium,aluminum,chromium,manganese,iron,nickel,copper,zinc and arsenic.Mean cadmium,lead,aluminum,manganese,iron,nickel,zinc and arsenic levels respectively exceeded the WHO,US EPA and EU drinking water MCLs in 6.66%,3.38%,26.67%,5.02%,30.03%,3.38%,1.64% and 5.02% of the samples with the highest mean levels of 116.89μg/L for cadmium,38.162μg/L for lead,2,712.5μg/L for aluminum,1,242.68μg/L for manganese,17,325.98μg/L for iron,64.647μg/L for nickel,9,900.72μg/L for zinc and 65.458μg/L for arsenic.Mean water pH values ranged from 4.7 to 11.1 with 19.17% of the groundwater samples having mean pH values outside the WHO drinking water pH optimum range values of 6.5-8.5,including 5.02% of the water samples which were acidic(mean pH values ranging from 4.7 to 6.4)and 14.15% which were alkaline(mean pH values ranging from 8.6 to 11.1).With such physicochemical and trace metal contamination status of groundwater in the three communes of Lubumbashi city,there is a high risk to the health of people who use that water to meet their drinking water needs.

美国公共图书馆发展的社会历史条件探析(1850-1900)——解读《民主文化的武器(Arsenals of A Democratic Culture)》

主要针对1850-1900年美国公共图书馆发展的社会历史条件做出了相关解析。阐述了1850-1900年美国公共图书馆发展的文化、经济以及政治民主的社会背景;认为美国公共图书馆发展的社会历史条件主要有图书馆法律的建立、人道主义精神的支持、慈善力量的资助及其他社会历史条件。并认为美国公共图书馆发展的社会历史条件与美国民主社会发展息息相关。

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.