Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Mulowayi Mubulayi Cedrick, Augustina Alexander, Joel Nobert, Clement N. U. D. Mbudi
Summary: Groundwater is widely used for drinking water in the chaotically urbanized African mega city of Kinshasa; this study aims to explore regional groundwater flow and establish a groundwater management tool; the calibrated and validated model showed high accuracy, revealing a decrease in groundwater levels under different scenarios.
PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY OF THE EARTH
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Jean Ikanga, Anny Reyes, Didine Kaba, Pierre Akilimali, Samuel Mampunza, Emmanuel Epenge, Guy Gikelekele, Immaculee Kavugho, Nathan Tshengele, Dustin B. B. Hammers, Alvaro Alonso
Summary: The prevalence of suspected dementia in elderly adults in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo was 6.2%, with female sex, age, and education level being significant risk factors. Depression, hypertension, body mass index, and alcohol consumption were not significantly associated with suspected dementia.
ALZHEIMERS & DEMENTIA
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Patou Masika Musumari, Samclide Mutindu Mbikayi, Kriengkrai Srithanaviboonchai, Teeranee Techasrivichien, Arunrat Tangmunkongvorakul, Leon Tshilolo
Summary: Blood transfusion is a life-saving procedure with associated risks, including acute transfusion reactions (ATRs). This study in the DRC documented a 2.6% prevalence of ATRs in blood transfusion recipients, with common symptoms being dyspnea, fever, and rash/hives. The study emphasizes the need for surveillance to detect, prevent, and manage ATRs in this context.
Article
Communication
Katrien Pype
Summary: This article examines the experience of digital connectivity in Kinshasa, focusing on unexpected disconnections due to political interference, lack of battery, or credit time. It explores how urban experiences in the Global South interact with digital media materials, producing both temporal sameness and difference. Ultimately, the author argues that technological synchronicity does not always lead to social synchronicity.
MEDIA CULTURE & SOCIETY
(2021)
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
Plant Sciences
Yves Kwibuka, Chantal Nyirakanani, Jean Pierre Bizimana, Espoir Bisimwa, Yves Brostaux, Ludivine Lassois, Herve Vanderschuren, Sebastien Massart
Summary: This study investigated the epidemiology of Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD) and its drivers in the Uvira territory of Eastern D.R. Congo. By using a multivariate approach combining farmer's interview, field observation, sampling, and molecular detection, the research identified three clusters in the study area and revealed key socio-economic factors influencing disease epidemy.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Pediatrics
Faustin Nd Kitetele, Gilbert M. Lelo, Cathy E. Akele, Patricia V. M. Lelo, Loukia Aketi, Eric M. Mafuta, Thorkild Tylleskar, Esperance Kashala-Abotnes
Summary: HIV status disclosure to children remains a challenge in sub-Saharan Africa. Delaying disclosure poses risks to treatment compliance and the child's psychological well-being. This study found that HIV disclosure to children is an important determinant of ART compliance and a child's psychological well-being.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Rachel Sendor, Kristin Banek, Melchior M. Kashamuka, Nono Mvuama, Joseph A. Bala, Marthe Nkalani, Georges Kihuma, Joseph Atibu, Kyaw L. Thwai, W. Matthew Svec, Varun Goel, Tommy Nseka, Jessica T. Lin, Jeffrey A. Bailey, Michael Emch, Margaret Carrel, Jonathan J. Juliano, Antoinette Tshefu, Jonathan B. Parr
Summary: This study estimated the incidence and prevalence of non-falciparum and Plasmodium falciparum malaria infections in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. The findings suggest that while P. falciparum remains the primary driver of malaria, non-falciparum species also pose an infection risk.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Jacqueline Souza Dutra Arruda, Jacqueline Domingues Tiburcio, Salvina Maria de Campos-Carli, Antonio Lucio Teixeira, Daniel Vitor Vasconcelos-Santos
Summary: Brazilian individuals with toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis (TRC) have significantly lower VRQL scores, especially women, those using systemic corticosteroids, with visual impairment, and a history of TRC recurrence. Depressive symptoms are more prevalent in TRC patients and are associated with lower VRQL scores. Mental health issues in subjects with TRC should be addressed.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Ophthalmology
Nadine Nsiangani Lusambo, Dieudonne Kaimbo Wa Kaimbo, Dieudonne Mumba Ngoyi, Pierre Akilimali Zalagile, Alejandra de-la-Torre
Summary: This study aimed to identify the risk factors associated with ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) in a cohort of Congolese patients with uveitis. The results indicated that being under the age of 60, consuming cat meat and undercooked meat, and living in rural areas were identified as risk factors for OT.
BMJ OPEN OPHTHALMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Christian Ahadi Irenge, Parfait Kaningu Bushenyula, Emmannuel Bayubasire Irenge, Yves Coppieters
Summary: This study aims to explore the relationship between artisanal mining and health issues in DR Congo, analyze the constraints of adopting healthy practices by miners, and propose a conceptual framework for revolutionizing artisanal mining practices. A socio-anthropological qualitative study was conducted in the Luhihi artisanal gold mine, which revealed the role of organizational system, determinants of health issues, importance of health risks, and opportunities and barriers for healthcare service organization.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Pierre Z. Akilimali, Nguyen-Toan Tran, Anastasia J. Gage
Summary: The study found a higher prevalence of modern contraceptive use among women in slums in Kinshasa, with women from wealthier households in nonslums more likely to use modern contraceptives. Household wealth moderated the association between neighborhood type and modern contraceptive use.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Aurelie Koho Pungu Shembo, Patou Masika Musumari, Kriengkrai Srithanaviboonchai, Arunrat Tangmunkongvorakul, Olivia Dalleur
Summary: This study investigated the factors influencing the inappropriate use of antibiotics in the community in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The results showed that participants had limited knowledge of antibiotic use, indications, and risks. Inappropriate use of antibiotics was common, and participants often self-medicated for non-indicated conditions due to financial barriers. Community education and interventions addressing poverty are needed to reduce inappropriate antibiotic use.
Article
Environmental Studies
Kazuyo Hanai
Summary: This study finds that while resource due diligence regulations have led to changes in the behaviors of actors involved in conflict minerals trade, they have not resulted in changes at the mechanism level.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Bive Zono Bive, Rosalie Sacheli, Hippolyte Situakibanza Nani-Tuma, Pius Kabututu Zakayi, Alex Ka, Marcel Mbula Mambimbi, Gaultier Muendele, Raphael Boreux, Nicole Landu, Celestin Nzanzu Mudogo, Pierre-Robert M'Buze, Michel Moutschen, Wieland Meyer, Georges Mvumbi Lelo, Marie-Pierre Hayette
Summary: Neuromeningeal cryptococcosis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection in advanced HIV disease patients, and mainly occurs in sub-Saharan Africa. Molecular characterization and antifungal susceptibility profiling of Cryptococcus isolates from AHDP in Kinshasa were performed in this study, revealing wide species diversity and genetic heterogenicity of Cryptococcus neoformans within the VNI molecular type. Notably, resistance to commonly used antifungals was found among the included strains, raising concerns about treatment effectiveness.
