Peroxidase Inhibition and Antioxidant Activity of Bulk-Marketed Black Tea (<i>Camellia sinensis</i>L.) from the Democratic Republic of the Congo

The widely known leaves of Camellia sinensis (L.) derive the most consumed beverage globally. All over the world, like in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo), they are marketed in the form of packaged and in bulk black tea. The aim of this study was to report the microscopic botanical features, the chromatographic fingerprints, the antioxidant activities, and the peroxidase inhibition of bulk-marketed black teas consumed in DR Congo. The microscopic analysis of powders from unpackaged black tea marketed in DR Congo allowed the identification of specific microscopical features, which are characteristic to C. sinensis (L.) such as numerous asterosclerites, numerous fragments of unicellular trichomes;fragments of abaxial epidermis consisting of cells with slightly wavy walls, numerous anomocytic stomata, and the detection of biological contaminants, e.g. the dust mites. TLC and HPLC analysis indicated that flavonoids (hyperoside, rutin) and phenolic acids (chlorogenic acid, gallic acid) were major phenolic compounds, along with other secondary metabolites. Aqueous extracts from all bulk-marketed black teas exhibited good antioxidant activities at the concentrations range of 1 - 20 μg·mL-1 using in vitro ABTS and DPPH assays. These extracts showed equally inhibitory effects on myeloperoxidase (MPO) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) activities at the concentration ranges of 1 - 20 μg·mL-1 and 20 - 100 μg·mL-1 respectively. Bulk-marketed black teas consumed in DR Congo possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties comparable to packaged Ceylon tea largely marketed. The observed bioactivities support the health benefits of the consumed black tea by Congolese people, despite the storage conditions to be improved in order to preserve its nutritional and therapeutic assets.

Prognostic Signification of Admission Hyperglycemia among Acute Stroke Patients in Intensive Care Units in Kinshasa,the Democratic Republic of the Congo

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Although admission hyperglycemia has been reported to be associated with unfavorable outcomes in acute stroke, little is known about this association in sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess the prognostic significance of admission hyperglycemia in the acute phase of stroke in Congolese patients. METHODS: In a multicenter prospective cohort study, consecutive patients with acute stroke were examined in 5 Emergency Rooms or Intensive Care Units of Kinshasa between July 15th, 2017 and March 15th, 2018. The severity of stroke was assessed at admission using the Glasgow Coma Scale. Stress hyperglycemia was defined as random blood glucose levels at admission > 140 mg/dL in patients without known type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The endpoint was 10-day all-cause in-hospital mortality. Survival (time-to-death) curves were built using the Kaplan Meier methods. Cox proportional analysis was used to identify predictors of 10-day all-cause in-hospital mortality. The predictive performance of blood glucose level to predict 10-day all-cause in-hospital mortality was assessed using ROC curve analysis. RESULTS: Out of 194 patients (mean age 58.7 ± 13.1 years;64% males, 74.7% light to moderate stroke severity;63.4% ischemic stroke) enrolled, 106 (54.6%) had admission hyperglycemia with 77 (72.6%) having stress hyperglycemia. Ninety four deaths (48.5%);mortality rate of 6 deaths per 100 person-days (95%CI 2.7 - 9.3) occurred during a median follow up time 6 (5 - 7) days equivalent to 1542 person-days. Independent predictors of 10-day all-cause in-hospital mortality were admission hyperglycemia regardless of diabetes status (aHR 3.77;95%CI 1.92 - 7.42;p < 0.001), GCS - 5.23;p = 0.001) and non-use of mechanical ventilation (aHR 1.97;95%CI 1.05 - 3.70;p = 0.034). Blood glucose concentrations (AUC 0.743;95%CI 0.672 - 0.814) had a better predictive performance for 10-day all-cause in-hospital mortality with an optimal value of 154 mg/dL (sensitivity 76.6% and specificity 70%). CONCLUSION: More than half of critically ill stroke patients exhibit admission hyperglycemia that impacts negatively on their survival in the acute phase highlighting thus the need for a better blood glucose control to improve outcomes.

Rationale of a Cross Sectional Descriptive Study on Knowledge and Practices of Healthcare Providers on Postpartum Hemorrhage Management in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Background: Healthcare Providers’ knowledge and practice of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) management are essential to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality. PPH is a public health problem due to the high maternal mortality (MM) associated with it worldwide (25%). Improving the quality of PPH management is a major challenge in low-income countries where, despite the progress made in its management, PPH remains a major contributor to maternal morbidity and mortality. Objective: We will evaluate the level of knowledge and practices of providers in the PPH management in Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Methods: This study will be descriptive and cross-sectional. The minimum sample size will be 86. Our study population will consist of delivery room care providers. Results will be reported as percentage proportion and mean plus or minus standard deviation. Comparisons of means between groups will be made using Student’s t-test and Pearson’s chi-square test. The test will be statistically significant for a p value 0.05. Data will be collected and processed anonymously and confidentially. Conclusion: Improving quality of care must be a priority in obstetrics. This evaluation requires us to determine the level of knowledge and practices of providers in the PPH management in Kinshasa.

Comparative Study of the Reliability and Complexity of Symmetrical and Asymmetrical Cryptosystems for the Protection of Academic Data in the Democratic Republic of Congo

In the digital age, the data exchanged within a company is a wealth of knowledge. The survival, growth and influence of a company in the short, medium and long term depend on it. Indeed, it is the lifeblood of any modern company. A companys operational and historical data contains strategic and operational knowledge of ever-increasing added value. The emergence of a new paradigm: big data. Today, the value of the data scattered throughout this mother of knowledge is calculated in billions of dollars, depending on its size, scope and area of intervention. With the rise of computer networks and distributed systems, the threats to these sensitive resources have steadily increased, jeopardizing the existence of the company itself by drying up production and losing the interest of customers and suppliers. These threats range from sabotage to bankruptcy. For several decades now, most companies have been using encryption algorithms to protect and secure their information systems against the threats and dangers posed by the inherent vulnerabilities of their infrastructure and the current economic climate. This vulnerability requires companies to make the right choice of algorithms to implement in their management systems. For this reason, the present work aims to carry out a comparative study of the reliability and effectiveness of symmetrical and asymmetrical cryptosystems, in order to identify one or more suitable for securing academic data in the DRC. The analysis of the robustness of commonly used symmetric and asymmetric cryptosystems will be the subject of simulations in this article.

Implementing a Short Regimen for Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo: A Cohort Study 2014-2017

Setting: Kinshasa, capital of Democratic Republic of Congo, has the high rate of multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) which is associated with poor treatment outcomes until 2013. A new approach was needed. Objectives: To implement a new strategy in order to improve treatment outcomes. Design: A retrospective cohort study reviewing all the patients diagnosed MDR Tuberculosis between 2014 and 2017. The study was conducted in the National Tuberculosis Program (NTP) framework comparing the short regimen and the WHO standard regimen. Results: From 1246 patients diagnosed RR/TB, 1073 were included in the analysis: 948 on shorter regimen, and 125 on WHO standard regimen. The strategy was based on patient-centered care. In the short regimen group, 62.7% were male, 61.4% were age 25 - 44 years, 52.6% had previous history of TB, 39.3% underweight, 12.5% HIV positive. The median time from diagnosis to treatment was 19 days (0 - 163). In the long regimen group, 75% were male, 37.6% were age 14 - 44 years, 61.6% underweight, 18.4% HIV positive. The median time from diagnosis to treatment was 19 days (0 - 114). Favorable outcomes represented 81.9% in the short regimen group versus 72% in the long regimen group. Death and loss to follow-up were more observed in long regimen group (27.2% versus 15.4%). Factors associated with unfavorable outcomes in the short regimen group included sex, age ≥ 45 years, previous TB history, HIV status, delay to begin treatment. For the long regimen, the factors age and delay emerged, underweight and HIV were borderline. Drug adverse events were reported respectively in 43.5% and 42.4% for short and long regimen;with gastrointestinal disturbances, vestibular troubles, ototoxicity, arthralgia and anemia as the most common in the 2 groups. Conclusion: The new approach improved favorable outcomes. Both short and long regimens reached a high level of favorable outcome compared to the previous study. The short regimen, well supervised seems to be superior to the long regimen in term of Death rate and loss to follow up (LTFU).

Rationale of a Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study on Temporal Evolution of Frequency, Risk Factors and Complications of Preeclampsia in the University Clinics of Kinshasa, DR Congo

Background: Knowledge of temporal evolution of preeclampsia (PE) in its various aspects is essential in strategies to reduce maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Preeclampsia is a public health problem due to maternal mortality associated with it worldwide (5.6%). Improving quality of its management is a major challenge in low-income countries where, despite progress made in this field, PE remains a major factor in maternal morbidity and mortality. Objective: To evaluate temporal evolution of frequency, risk factors and complications of PE at the University clinics of Kinshasa (UCK). Methods: Descriptive and cross-sectional study concerning minimum simple size of 119 pregnant women who consulted for antenatal care at the University clinics of Kinshasa from January 2012 to December 2022. Results will be reported as percentage proportion, mean and standard deviation. Comparison of proportion and means between groups will be made using Student’s t-test and Pearson’s chi-square test, respectively. The test will be statistically significant for a p value ≤ less than 0.05. Data will be collected and analysed anonymously and confidentially. Conclusion: This study will allow us to evaluate the effectiveness of different prevention and treatment modalities used over time in management of preeclampsia in our setting.

Rationale of the Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study on Factors Associated with Failure of Vaginal Delivery Trial after Cesarean Section in the University Clinics of Kinshasa, DR Congo

Background: Delivery in a scarred uterus is nowadays a real problem in Obstetrics practice, due to the inflation in the number of caesarean sections and the non-unanimous attitude of Obstetrics’ teams towards uterine scars. The factors associated with failed vaginal birth attempts after caesarean section (VBAC) are crucial information that would contribute effectively to deciding on the most appropriate mode of delivery for the mother and her fetus. Their identification would enable us to detect pregnant women at high risk of failure to attempt vaginal birth after caesarean section, and thus contribute to reducing the complications associated with this failure. Objective: We will study the factors associated with failure to vaginal delivery trial after caesarean section at the University Clinics of Kinshasa (UCK). Methods: This study will be a cross-sectional descriptive study with analytical aims. The minimum sample size will be 239. Our study population will consist of records of pregnant women with unicatricial uterus who underwent attempted vaginal delivery after caesarean section at UCK from January 2014 to June 2023. Results will be reported as percentage proportion and mean plus or minus standard deviation. Comparison of means between groups will be made using Student’s t-test, and of proportions using Pearson’s Chi-square test. Logistic regression will be used to generate Odds Ratios to measure the strength of association between variables. The test will be statistically significant for a p value 0.05. Data will be collected and processed confidentially and anonymously. Conclusion: This study will identify the factors associated with the failure of attempted vaginal delivery after caesarean section in order to contribute to the reduction of complications related to its failure in our setting. .

Prehypertension, Hypertension and Associated Cardiovascular Risk Factors among Adult Congolese Urban Dwellers: Results of the Vitaraa Study

Objective: To assess the prevalence of prehypertension and hypertension, their determinants and associated cardiovascular risk factors in Congolese urban dwellers. Methods: From July 2007 to March 2008, we collected information on lifestyle habits, medical history and anthropometric data in 1292 household members of Adoula Quarter, Kinshasa, aged 20 years or more, 731 women (56.6%). We obtained measurements of BP, blood glucose, serum lipids and qualitative proteinuria. We defined blood pressure categories according to JNC7 classification and used logistic regression analyses to assess their independent determinants. We obtained age adjustment of continuous and categorical variables using GLM and Genmod procedures, respectively. Results: Prehypertension was observed in 30.3% of subjects, 34.9% of men and 26.7% of women (P = 0.0045). The prevalence of hypertension amounted to 30.9% with no difference between genders. Participants with prehypertension had average age, BMI and waist circumference intermediate between those with normal BP and hypertensive subjects. Their glucose and lipids levels were similar to those of normotensives. The prevalence of prehypertension amounted to 33% at age 20 - 29 years and decreased to 16.7% at ≥60 years whereas the prevalence of hypertension increased from 11.2% to 71.4%. The rates of diabetes mellitus were similar accross blood pressure catogo- ries whilst prevalences of overweight/obesity, abdominal adiposity, dyslipidemia and metabolic syndrome significatively increased (P = 0.05 or less). Among participants with prehypertension, 73% had two or more additional cardiovascular risk factors. In the logistic model the probability of prehypertension was higher in men (OR: 1.429;95% CI: 1.099 - 1.857) and participants with overweight/obesity (OR: 1.666;1.146 - 2.422), lower in participants aged ≥ 55 years (0.427;0.267 - 0.683) and those with high fruit intake (0.691;0.488 - 0.977). The probability of hypertension was higher in participants aged ≥ 55 years (OR: 6.988;4.561 - 10.706), overweight/obesity (2.263;1.704 - 3.004), those with high vegetables consumption (1.152;1.003 - 1.324) and faster pulse rate (1.013;1.002 - 1.025). Conclusion: Our results suggest that fruit consumption and control of over-weight are important issues for prevention of cardiovascular disease in sub-Saharan Africa where high blood pressure is the main driver of the current epidemic.

Dosage Formula in Anesthesia for Manual Intrauterine Aspiration Post-Abortion in Resource-Limited Settings

Setting: Provincial General Reference Hospital of Bukavu, General Reference Hospital of Panzi, General Reference Hospital of Ciriri, General Reference Hospital of Nyatende and Biopharm Hospital Center. Objective: Contribute to the improvement of the anesthetic ECP of patients benefiting from MVA for incomplete abortion, Describe the methodology used for adoption of the dosage formula in Anesthesia for MVA, present the mathematical demonstration leading to the dosage formula in anesthesia for MVA. Materials and Methods: Our study was descriptive by mathematical demonstration of obtaining the equilibrium constant of the dosage formula of bipuvacaine 0.1% and Fentanyl 50 µg% adapted to the weight and specific size of patients treated anesthetically in MVA cases for incomplete abortion. We also carried out an operational research by first determining the interval where our equilibrium constant is included and secondly by means of the ends of the intervals found correlated to the ends of intervals of possible weights and sizes in the being normal human female of childbearing age to arrive at the real numerical value of the equilibrium constant of the BUKAVU Dosage Formula in the case of anesthesia for MVA during the management of incomplete abortions. Results: TWO-STAGE OPERATIONAL RESEARCH: • Determination of the interval where the equilibrium constant x = −0.95 x x by crossing the means between the extremes of volumes of anesthetic drugs giving a satisfactory sensory block without hemodynamic disturbance and the extremes of normal weight and height for women of childbearing age. We ended up with X = 0.37. Conclusion: At the end of our study which had the general objectives of contributing to the improvement of the anesthetic PEC of patients receiving MVA for incomplete abortion and specific objectives of describing the methodology used for adoption of the dosage formula in Anesthesia for MVA and present the mathematical demonstration which resulted in the dosage formula in nesthesia for MVA, it appears that the dosage formula of Bukavu, in case of intrathecal spinal analgesia of MVA for incomplete abortion provides precision on the specificity of the doses of bipuvacaine hypobarre 0.1% and Fentanyl 50 µg% reported to each patient according to her weight and height. Its application could therefore reduce morbidity and mortality and improve patient-practitioner comfort in the event of MVA for incomplete abortion following the dosage precision it provides.

Performance of Sickle SCAN^®in the Screening of Sickle Cell Disease in Kisangani Pregnant Women and Attitude towards Results

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the sickle cell trait carriage is estimated at 25%. Routine neonatal screening is not a common practice, leading to a very late diagnosis. In this study, the screening of pregnant women was assessed as well as their attitudes. This is an analytical cross-sectional study conducted in 245 pregnant women, sampled by convenience in four hospitals in Kisangani city (Democratic Republic of Congo) and screened using the sickle SCAN® test, from February 1 to July 31, 2019. The sensitivity and specificity of the latter were determined using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry as the gold standard. The attitudes of 240 pregnant women without previous screening history were assessed upon the announcement of the results. The sensitivity of screening for hemoglobin (Hb) AA and Hb AS was 96.69% and 98.39%, respectively;while the specificities were 99.43% and 96.32%, respectively. The Kappa coefficient (κ) was excellent. Concerning attitudes, Hb SS pregnant women and 55.17% of AS pregnant women worried when the results relating to their hemoglobin status were announced. The sickle SCAN® test was found reliable for sickle cell disease screening in Kisangani. The announcement of the results, mainly positive, raises worry among pregnant woman. Therefore, we recommend the involvement of a clinician psychologist for pre-screening counselling and for results announcement, as well as early newborns and unmarried teenage girls screening.

Interdialytic 24-Hours Ambulatory Blood Pressure versus Dialysis Unit Blood Pressure for the Diagnosis of Electrocardiographic-Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Chronic Hemodialysis Black Patients

Background and Aim: In hemodialysis patients, 24-hours interdialytic ABPM better detects TOD than dialysis unit blood pressure. Therefore, the present study was aimed to assess the diagnostic performance of 24-hours ABPM vs. dialysis unit BPs for the diagnosis of ECG-LVH in steady state chronic hemodialysis black patients. Methods: From March 31 to September 30, 2018, interdialytic ABPM was performed after a mid-week hemodialysis session for 24 hours using a Spacelab 90207 ABPM monitor in the non-access arm in 45 stable chronic hemodialysis black patients (age ≥ 20 years, hemodialysis for at least 3 months and informed consent) attending 3 hemodialysis centers in Kinshasa. Ambulatory BP was recorded every 20 minutes during the day (6 AM to 10 PM) and every 30 minutes during the night (10 PM to 6 AM). ECG-LVH was defined using Cornell product criteria. ROC curve method was used to assess the performance of dialysis unit BPs vs. interdialytic 24-hours ABPM in diagnosing ECG-LVH. P 0.05 defined the level of statistical significance. Results: Whatever the method of BP measurement, all the SBP values were related to ECG-LVH with similar AUC and overlapping 95% CI;however, they were not significantly different from each other. 24-hours interdialytic ambulatory SBP (AUC 0.748;95% CI 0.58 - 0.94) had the highest area under the curve. Conclusion: The present study showed that although all the two BP measurement methods equally detected ECG-LVH, 24-hours ABPM tended to have the highest diagnostic performance.

Modeling of the Coupling of the Lightning Shock Wave Flow Circuit in the High Voltage Electrical Network

This article focuses on the aggression of lightning overload on the equipment of the electrical network of sites where storm activity is very dense;and the electrocution of people located in the direct environment of the high-voltage substation during the flow of lightning current to the ground through the ground socket. The modeling of the flow circuit of the shock wave consisting of guard wire, lightning arrester and ground socket couple to the transformer of the high voltage substations, thanks to the approach of a servo block, led to the synthesis of a PID regulator (corrector) whose action is to reject the effects of the overvoltage on the network equipment and to significantly reduce or even cancel the effects of the step or touch voltage due to the distribution of the potential around the ground socket;and thus improve the quality of service of the high-voltage transmission and distribution electricity network, especially in stormy times.

The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Health Service Accessibility for Children under 5 in the Mayo-Tsanaga and Logone & Chari Departments, Far North Cameroon

Context/objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted all programs, potentially impacting access to health services for children under 5 years old. The Far North of Cameroon is one of the northern regions with a prevalence of malnourished children ranging from 5% to 10%. Due to the barrier measures implemented to combat the pandemic, many parents are reluctant to take their children to healthcare facilities. Some of these children were benefiting from the Ambulatory Care Center (ACC) program prior to the COVID-19 outbreak. The main objective of this research is to assess the impact of COVID-19 on access to health services for children under 5 in the Mayo Tsanaga (MT) and Logone & Chari (LC) departments. The implementation of barrier measures could significantly increase the risk of malnutrition among children under 5 years old. Method: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in the MT and LC departments, employing both retrospective and prospective approaches. Data was collected through questionnaire, interview guide and a review of existing data prior to the pandemic (DHIS 2). Kobo Collect software was used for data collection, and R software was used for analysis. Results: Children who benefitted from the ACC program during the COVID-19 period were found to have a lower prevalence of malnutrition compared to those who did not benefit (OR: 0.09, CI {0.0 - 0.44}). Conclusion: COVID-19 has led to a decrease in the utilization of health facilities in both departments of the study, resulting in an increase in health issues such as malnutrition among children under 5 years old. Various policies have been implemented to improve attendance at health facilities.

Influence of the Partial Substitution of Industrial Clinker by Volcanic Lava Powder from Nyiragongo Volcano on the Physical Properties of Mortars

This study evaluates the pozzolanicity of Nyiragongo volcano lava flows in Congo by an indirect method using mortars with different rock powder proportions. The clinker used is a locally produced alite clinker, whose chemical and mineralogical composition was determined by XRF, Bogue and Taylor formulas. The lava flows were collected from the 2002, 2010 and 2021 eruption sites, and were characterized by XRF, CIPW normative mineralogy and geomechanical tests. The results show that Nyiragongo rocks are ultrabasic, silica- and alkali-rich, and contain minerals like nepheline, wollastonite and leucite. They satisfy the natural pozzolan criterion, and have pozzolanic activity indices above 70%. These rocks also have high RC and LA resistances, ranging from 190 MPa to 45 MPa, and from 18% to 32.6%, respectively. The rock powder addition in the mortars reduces mechanical resistances and increases setting times, except for a 5% replacement rate, which speeds up hardening. Nyiragongo lava can be used as a pozzolanic addition to produce a CEM II/B-P 32.5 cement.

Analysis and Simulation of the Influence of Electromagnetic Fields on Living Beings near HV Power Lines Using the FDTD Method

Recent decades have seen rapid advances in the field of electrical engineering, such that our environment has become a sea of electrical and magnetic signals, raising questions about the possible effects of low-frequency electromagnetic fields on the environment and which are capable of modifying and destroying our ecosystem. Particular interest was given in this article due to a massive influx of population living near high voltage lines. The analysis and simulation of the influence of low frequency electromagnetic fields on living beings in the vicinity of high voltage sources 132 kV and 220 kV in urban areas in DR Congo is the subject of our research with a view to estimating the level of exposure of humans to low frequency electromagnetic fields. To carry out our research, we used the classic method of analyzing the field produced near a high voltage line based on Maxwell’s image theory, the Maxwell-Gauss theorem and Maxwell-Ampère theorem to model and quantify low-frequency electromagnetic fields in the vicinity of high-voltage lines. The 2D FDTD numerical formulation was developed from telegraphers’ equations and allowed us to obtain models of current and voltage induced by electromagnetic fields on living beings below and near HV lines. The different simulations carried out on the proposed models illustrate the effects of the electrical and geometric parameters of the pylons on the distribution of the electromagnetic field in the vicinity of the HV lines. The results obtained were compared to the safety limits recommended by the standards.

A New Approach for Solving Fuzzy Linear Multi-Criterion Problems: An Approach Based on Minimization of the Errors Functions

The main purpose of this paper is to build a new approach for solving a fuzzy linear multi-criterion problem by defining a function called “error function”. For this end, the concept of level set is used to construct the error function. In addition, we introduce the concept of deviation variable in the definition of the error function. The algorithm of the new approach is summarized in three main steps: first, we transform the original fuzzy problem into a deterministic one by choosing a specific level . second, we solve separately each uni-criteria problem and we compute the error function for each criteria. Finally, we minimize the sum of error functions in order to obtain the desired compromise solution. A numerical example is done for a comparative study with some existing approaches to show the effectiveness of the new approach.

Rationale of Longitudinal Cohort Study on Obstetrical Outcomes of Trichomonas vaginalis Infection in Kinshasa, DR Congo

Background: Trichomoniasis is the most common non-viral sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the world, and the occurrence of this infection during pregnancy is responsible for adverse obstetrical outcomes like premature labor, premature rupture of membranes (PROM) and low birth weight (birth weight < 2500 g). The association with a number of factors (maternal age, low level of education, low socio-economic status and multiple sexual partners, etc.) that can be found in our environment suggest its probably high prevalence amongst vaginal infections that are responsible for adverse obstetrical outcomes, but up-to-date estimates are lacking. Objective: To assess the obstetrical risk associated with Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis) infection in our environment. Methods: We designed a protocol for a prospective cohort study which will take place in four medical facilities in the city of Kinshasa, where all pregnant women with a pregnancy of at least 20 weeks and who will give written consent will be included. Vaginal swab specimens will be collected for T. vaginalis research by direct microscopy wet mount. Follow-up will consist of recording the process of the pregnancy and obstetrical outcomes. Conclusion: Results from this study will allow to enhance management and also bring updated estimates on T. vaginalis prevalence and its obstetrical outcomes for infected pregnant woman in our environment.

Production Systems, Genetic Diversity and Genes Associated with Prolificacy and Milk Production in Indigenous Goats of Sub-Saharan Africa: A Review

Goats are one of the oldest domesticated animal species widely distributed in the world playing an important role in the food production system in Sub-Saharan African Region (SSAR). Due to their multiple uses (milk production, meat, fiber and hides) and adaptation aptitudes to ecological conditions, goats produce and contribute positively to farmers’ socio-economy status in various production systems. This review aimed at giving a summary overview on the goat’s production systems characteristics, the genetic diversity and the candidate genes affecting reproductive and milk production performances in goat breeds in SSAR. It has been observed that traditional livestock production system with communal grazing system is the most used in goat keeping in SSAR. The geographical locations play an important role in the relationships between goat’s distributions in the region. At the same time, goats might have been differentiated and isolated one to others due to the wide geographic range, the diversify climate and the topography in the region. Among the six worldwide known haplogroups of goat (A, B, C, D, G and F), haplogroup A is the most representative in SSAR. However, haplogroup G and B can be found in some goat populations in some countries in east (Kenya and Ethiopia) and south parts of Africa. This review reveals that little is known on the candidate genes associated with prolificacy and milk production traits in indigenous goat breeds in the region. That observation suggests the importance of assessing candidate genes associated with economic traits in the populations of goat in SSAR.

Hyperquaternionic Representations of Conic Sections

In this paper, by means of an isomorphism, we express the Clifford algebra Cl5,3 as hyperquaternion algebra H ⊗H ⊗H ⊗H (a four-fold tensor product of quaternion algebras) and we provide the hyperquaternionic approach to the inner product null space (IPNS) representation of conic sections.

Split-Tetraquaternion Algebra and Applications

In this paper, from the spacetime algebra associated with the Minkowski space ℝ3,1by means of a change of signature, we describe a quaternionic representation of the split-tetraquaternion algebra which incorporates the Pauli algebra, the split-biquaternion algebra and the split-quaternion algebra, we relate these algebras to Clifford algebras and we show the emergence of the stabilized Poincaré-Heisenberg algebra from the split-tetraquaternion algebra. We list without going into details some of their applications in Physics and in Born geometry.