Article
Immunology
Hayley. R. Ashbaugh, James. D. Cherry, Nicole. A. Hoff, Reena. H. Doshi, Patrick Mukadi, Stephen. G. Higgins, Roger Budd, Christina Randall, Emile Okitolonda-Wemakoy, Jean Jacques Muyembe-Tamfum, Sue. K. Gerber, Christine Wells, Anne. W. Rimoin
Summary: Recent studies have shown that measles-induced immune amnesia can have long-term immunosuppressive effects and can increase mortality and morbidity from infectious diseases other than measles in children from different countries. To investigate the impact of previous measles virus infection on immunologic memory in children from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), tetanus antibody levels were assessed among fully vaccinated children with and without a history of measles.
PEDIATRIC INFECTIOUS DISEASE JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alvan Cheng, Angie Ghanem-Uzqueda, Nicole A. Hoff, Hayley Ashbaugh, Reena H. Doshi, Patrick Mukadi, Roger Budd, Stephen G. Higgins, Christina Randall, Sue Gerber, Michel Kabamba, Guilluame Ngoie Mwamba, Emile Okitolonda-Wemakoy, Jean Jacques Muyembe-Tanfum, Anne W. Rimoin
Summary: Despite improvements in routine vaccination activities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, tetanus vaccine coverage in children aged 6-59 months remains low, especially in rural areas and households with low maternal education. Identifying areas for intervention and improving vaccination coverage is crucial to prevent the potentially fatal disease.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Gaylord Ngaboyeka, Ghislain Bisimwa, Anouk Neven, Pacifique Mwene-Batu, Richard Kambale, Petit Passy Kingwayi, Christian Chiribagula, Oreste Battisti, Michele Dramaix, Philippe Donnen
Summary: This study investigates the relationship between weight-for-height and mid-upper arm circumference with hospital mortality, particularly focusing on the specificity of mid-upper arm circumference for age. The results show that weight-for-height is more strongly associated with hospital death compared to mid-upper arm circumference and mid-upper arm circumference for age.
FRONTIERS IN NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Syed Manzoor Ahmed Hanifi, Ane Baerent Fisker, Paul Welaga, Andreas Rieckmann, Aksel Georg Jensen, Christine Stabell Benn, Peter Aaby
Summary: The study revealed a connection between increased doses of DTP and higher female mortality rates, with girls showing lower mortality rates compared to boys after receiving the measles vaccine, but increased rates after receiving DTP. The results suggest that DTP does not significantly improve male survival.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Cecile Cazes, Kevin Phelan, Victoire Hubert, Harouna Boubacar, Lievin Izie Bozama, Gilbert Tshibangu Sakubu, Beatrice Kalenga Tshiala, Toussaint Tusuku, Rodrigue Alitanou, Antoine Kouame, Cyrille Yao, Delphine Gabillard, Moumouni Kinda, Maguy Daures, Augustin Augier, Xavier Anglaret, Susan Shepherd, Renaud Becquet
Summary: This study aimed to compare the integration of severe and moderate acute malnutrition treatment into one program with a gradual reduction in dosage, with the current separate treatment approach in terms of efficacy, coverage, and cost. The results showed that gradually reducing the dosage of RUTF according to mid-upper-arm circumference (MUAC) and weight increase was a superior strategy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Molly Deutsch-Feldman, Jonathan B. Parr, Corinna Keeler, Nicholas F. Brazeau, Varun Goel, Michael Emch, Jessie K. Edwards, Melchior Kashamuka, Antoinette K. Tshefu, Steven R. Meshnick
Summary: The research found that previous surveys often overlooked the higher burden of malaria in older children and adolescents, whereas in fact, this age group had the highest prevalence of the disease.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Daniel Katuashi Ishoso, Eric Mafuta, M. Carolina Danovaro-Holliday, Christian Ngandu, Lisa Menning, Aime Mwana-Wabene Cikomola, Christophe Luhata Lungayo, Jean-Crispin Mukendi, Dieudonne Mwamba, Franck-Fortune Mboussou, Deo Manirakiza, Moise Desire Yapi, Gaga Fidele Ngabo, Richard Bahizire Riziki, Adele Daleke Lisi Aluma, Bienvenu Nguejio Tsobeng, Cedric Mwanga, John Otomba, Aimee Lulebo, Paul Lusamba, Marcellin Mengouo Nimpa
Summary: This study aimed to identify and compare the main reasons for there being zero-dose (ZD) or under-vaccinated children in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The results showed that lack of parental/guardian motivation was the main reason for non-vaccination among zero-dose children, while practical issues were the main reason among under-vaccinated children. These findings are important for guiding vaccination interventions.
Article
Parasitology
Francis Wat'senga Tezzo, Sylvie Fasine, Emile Manzambi Zola, Maria del Carmen Marquetti, Guillaume Binene Mbuka, Gillon Ilombe, Richard Mundeke Takasongo, Nathalie Smitz, Juan Andre Bisset, Wim Van Bortel, Veerle Vanlerberghe
Summary: In the Democratic Republic of Congo, studies found high levels of Aedes mosquitoes in both the rainy and dry season, especially in rural areas. It is important to target outdoor containers as key habitats for Aedes larvae to control the spread of arboviruses.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Studies
Andrew L. Gulley
Summary: Cobalt is essential for strategic technologies, but concerns arise from the concentration of its production in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This analysis explores the causes of historic disruptions to DRC cobalt mine and refinery production. The results suggest that the main factors were damaged transportation routes, underinvestment in mining assets, and the disintegration of the DRC economy. However, it is expected that DRC will continue to dominate cobalt mine production, given sustained development of infrastructure and good governance.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nicholas F. Brazeau, Cedar L. Mitchell, Andrew P. Morgan, Molly Deutsch-Feldman, Oliver John Watson, Kyaw L. Thwai, Pere Gelabert, Lucy van Dorp, Corinna Y. Keeler, Andreea Waltmann, Michael Emch, Valerie Gartner, Ben Redelings, Gregory A. Wray, Melchior K. Mwandagalirwa, Antoinette K. Tshefu, Joris L. Likwela, Jessie K. Edwards, Robert Verity, Jonathan B. Parr, Steven R. Meshnick, Jonathan J. Juliano
Summary: This study conducted a prevalence survey of P. vivax infections among adults in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, finding a prevalence rate of 2.97% with relatively flat distribution but higher prevalence in certain regions. The research suggests that the P. vivax strains in the DRC may belong to a separate contemporary clade, distinct from non-human ape strains and ancestral European strains.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Rogatien Mwandjalulu Kisindja, Pierrot Lundimu Tugirimana, Mitangala Ndeba Prudence, Katenga Bosunga, Jean-Jeannot Juakali Sihalikyolo, Prosper Kalenga Muenze Kayamba, Albert Mwembo Tambwe-A-Nkoy
Summary: The prevalence of gestational diabetes in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo was 21.2%, with higher rates in Rutshuru and Goma. A history of macrosomia birth and family diabetes were the main risk factors.
BMC PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nikolas Galli, Davide Danilo Chiarelli, Manuel D'Angelo, Maria Cristina Rulli
Summary: Despite the Democratic Republic of the Congo's richness in natural resources, the impact of diamond mining remains significant, affecting ecology, economy, and society. Resources and efforts currently put into the mining industry may have the potential to alleviate the malnourishment crisis in DRC if diverted towards the construction of a more structured and resilient food system.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Siriphone Virachith, Mapor Lao, Magnoula Inthepphavong, Saythong Inthalath, Judith M. Huebschen, Sengchanh Kounnavong, Somphou Sayasone, Antony P. Black
Summary: This study examined the immunization, susceptibility, and exposure status of the population in Xaysomboun province to hepatitis B virus (HBV), measles, rubella, and tetanus. The findings revealed low immunization rates and high risks of HBV, measles, and tetanus infection in the province. Therefore, there is a need to strengthen vaccine coverage for these diseases.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sengtavanh Keokenchanh, Sengchanh Kounnavong, Kaoru Midorikawa, Wakaha Ikeda, Akemi Morita, Takumi Kitajima, Shigeru Sokejima
Summary: This study evaluated the prevalence and associated factors of anemia among children aged 6-59 months in the Lao People's Democratic Republic. Male gender, underweight, and residence in central and southern provinces were associated with higher odds of anemia, while age, educational level of the household head, and Hmong-Mien ethnicity were inversely associated with anemia. Interventions targeting these factors are needed to address childhood anemia in Laos.
Article
Development Studies
Douglas Amuli Ibale, Frederic Docquier, Zainab Iftikhar
Summary: We present a model that explains income disparities among provinces, sectors, and skill categories in the Democratic Republic of the Congo by incorporating labor market frictions. Our findings highlight the importance of technologies, human capital, infrastructure, and labor market frictions in explaining spatial and intra-province inequalities. We also emphasize the presence of strong O-ring inequality patterns, suggesting the need for coordinated policy measures to effectively address these disparities.
