Dorstenialuamensis (Moraceae), a new species from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Leal ME
PROVIDER: S-EPMC4225074 | biostudies-literature | 2014
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Publications
Dorstenialuamensis (Moraceae), a new species from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
PhytoKeys 20141024 42
A new species of Dorstenia L. (Moraceae), Dorstenialuamensis M.E.Leal, is described from the Luama Wildlife Reserve, west of Lake Tanganyika and north of the town of Kalemie in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This species is endemic to the region and differs from any of the other species by its fernlike lithophytic habit and lack of latex. A description and illustration of this species is presented here. Dorstenialuamensis M.E.Leal inhabits moist and shady vertical ro ...[more]
Similar Datasets
Project description:ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of gestational diabetes and associated risk factors in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in Goma city, Idjwi, Ngungu and Rutshuru districts between April 2019 and February 2021. Pregnant women between 24-28 weeks of amenorrhea who consented to participate in the study were included. Blood sugar, anthropometric parameters and obstetrical and family history were studied. Gestational diabetes was defined as blood glucose level between 92 and 125 mg/dL.ResultsThe overall prevalence was 21.2% (n = 391) and was higher in Rutshuru [27.2% (n = 92)] and Goma [26.9% (n = 134)] compared to Ngungu [10.0% (n = 110)] (p = 0.005). An increased risk was associated with a history of a newborn weighing ≥ 4000 g [OR 2.4 95% CI (1.3 - 4.4)] or family diabetes [OR 2.9 95% CI (2.0 - 4.9)]. Median age in the pathological group was not different from that with normal blood glucose [25.0 (16.0 - 44.0) Vs 26.0 (16.0 - 44.0)] (p = 0.67). The prevalence tended to increase for pregnant women with a mid-upper arm circumference ≥ 280 mm [28.1% (n = 57)] Vs [19.3% (n = 322)] if < 280 mm, [OR (95% CI)] [1.5 (0.9-2.3)] (p = 0.13).ConclusionGestational diabetes was found in one out of five pregnant women regardless their age. A history of macrosomia birth and diabetes in the family were the main risk factors.
| S-EPMC9380361 | biostudies-literature
Project description:The second largest outbreak of Ebolavirus is currently ongoing in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and is characterized by lack of compliance with recommended control measures. Trusted local health agents, including medical students, may be valuable social mobilizers in this challenging context. We report a student-led educational campaign to increase community awareness and engagement in EVD control efforts, with evaluation of student and community satisfaction. The outreach was conducted in November 2018, involving 600 students and reaching 5-10,000 community members. Key messages included: 'Ebola exists in Butembo' and 'Bring infected family members to the Ebola Treatment Unit.' Medical students (n = 355) and community participants (n = 319) evaluated the campaign. Satisfaction was high: 320 (90%) students agreed that medical students could contribute to the EVD response effort, and 233 (73%) community members agreed that the students had helped them understand Ebola in the area. Lower satisfaction scores were associated with intention to hide infected family member from authorities (ρ = -0.25, p < 0.0001), denial of the existence of Ebola (ρ = -0.17, p = 0.0018), and mistrust of the response team (ρ = -0.11, p = 0.042). Both students (77%) and community members (71%) agreed that they were more motivated to combat Ebola as a result of the outreach. In conclusion, medical students can lead to satisfactory community engagement and educational activities during an EVD epidemic. As trusted local health agents, medical students may be valuable allies in building public trust and cooperation in this epidemic.
| S-EPMC7448907 | biostudies-literature
Project description:The present study characterizes Bemisia tabaci and Bemisia afer from cassava in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Mitochondrial COI sequencing revealed the occurrence of six cassava B. tabaci mitotypes, which were designated into four haplogroups (SSA-ECA, SSA-CA, SSA2, and SSA-ESA) using KASP SNP genotyping. SSA-ECA (72%) was the most prevalent and occurred in the northern part of the surveyed area, in the Ituri and Nord/Sud-Kivu provinces, whilst SSA-CA (21%) was present in the south, primarily in Haut-Katanga. SSA-ECA was predominant in the areas of north-eastern DRC most severely affected by cassava brown streak disease and was also reported in the new outbreak area in Pweto territory, Haut-Katanga, in the south. Bemisia afer comprised two major clusters with 85.5% of samples in cluster one, while the rest were in cluster two, which has no reference sequence in GenBank. This study provides important information on the genetic diversity of B. tabaci and B. afer in eastern DRC. This knowledge will be used as a basis for further studies to understand and to identify the role of whitefly haplogroups, their population densities and consequences for virus epidemics and spread as well as leading to improved vector and virus management strategies.
| S-EPMC9504715 | biostudies-literature
Project description:An increase of congenital anomalies in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has been reported. Congenital malformations (CMs) are not uncommon among newborns and, if left untreated, can contribute to increased neonate morbidity and mortality.Medical records of all individuals admitted with a diagnosed CM to HEAL Africa Teaching Hospital (Goma, DRC) from 2002 to 2014 (n=1301) were reviewed. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics to summarize chart records, and inferential statistics to investigate significant barriers to earlier treatment.Since 2012, the number of patients treated each year for CMs has increased by over 200% compared to the average annual number of cases treated from 2002-2011. Though delayed presentation of patients to HEAL Hospital was very obvious, with an average age of 8.2 years. We find that patient age has been significantly decreasing (p=0.037) over time. The average distance separating patients from HEAL Hospital was 178 km, with approximately one third living 350 km or further from the treatment center. Distance is the most significant (p=3.33x10(-6)) barrier to earlier treatment. When controlling for an interaction between gender and the use of mercy funds, we also find that female patients are at a significant (p=1.04x10(-3)) disadvantage to undergo earlier corrective surgery. This disadvantage is further illustrated by our finding that 89% of women and girls, and over 81% of all patients, required mercy funds to cover the cost of surgery in 2014. Lastly, the mortality rate for surgery was low and averaged less than 1.0%.Despite a formal end to the war in 2009, and an overall increase in individuals undergoing corrective surgery, distance, poverty, and gender are still massive barriers to CM care at HEAL Hospital, Goma, DRC. We find that patients have been successfully treated earlier by HEAL, although the average age of CM correction in 2014 (4.9 years) is still above average for Sub-Saharan Africa. Thus, we advocate for further funding from the National Government and international health agencies to enable continued treatment of CMs in rural residents of the eastern DRC. Distance, the most significant barrier to care can be mitigated by the implementation of additional mobile clinics and the construction of regional surgery centers along with the associated hiring of surgeons trained in CM repair.
| S-EPMC4493128 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundReducing morbidity is the main target of schistosomiasis control efforts, yet only rarely do control programmes assess morbidity linked to Schistosoma sp. infection. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and particularly in north-eastern Ituri Province, little is known about morbidity associated with Schistosoma mansoni infection. For this reason, we aimed to assess intestinal and hepatosplenic morbidity associated with S. mansoni infection in Ituri Province.Methods/principal findingsIn 2017, we conducted a cross-sectional study in 13 villages in Ituri Province, DRC. S. mansoni infection was assessed with a Kato-Katz stool test (2 smears) and a point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen (POC-CCA) urine test. A questionnaire was used to obtain demographic data and information about experienced intestinal morbidity. Each participant underwent an abdominal ultrasonography examination to diagnose hepatosplenic morbidity. Of the 586 study participants, 76.6% tested positive for S. mansoni. Intestinal morbidity reported in the two preceding weeks was very frequent, and included abdominal pain (52.7%), diarrhoea (23.4%) and blood in the stool (21.5%). Hepatosplenic morbidity consisted of abnormal liver parenchyma patterns (42.8%), hepatomegaly (26.5%) and splenomegaly (25.3%). Liver pathology (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.20, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06-1.37, p = 0.005) was positively and significantly associated with S. mansoni infection. Hepatomegaly (aOR 1.52, 95% CI 0.99-2.32, p = 0.053) and splenomegaly (aOR 1.12, 95% CI 0.73-1.72, p = 0.619) were positively but not significantly associated with S. mansoni infection at the individual level. At the village level, S. mansoni prevalence was positively associated with the prevalence of hepatomegaly and splenomegaly. High-intensity S. mansoni infections were associated with diarrhoea, blood in the stool, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, and liver parenchyma (C, D, E and F pathology patterns). Four study participants were diagnosed with ascites and five reported hematemesis.Conclusions/significanceOur study documents a high burden of intestinal and hepatosplenic morbidity associated with S. mansoni infection status in Ituri Province. The findings call for targeted interventions to address both S. mansoni infection and related morbidity.
| S-EPMC8638987 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundMalaria vector control in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is plagued by several major challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, lack of access to health care systems and preventative measures, and more recently the widespread emergence of insecticide resistance among Anopheles mosquitoes. Across 26 provinces, insecticide resistance has been reported from multiple sentinel sites. However, to date, investigation of molecular resistance mechanisms among Anopheles vector populations in DRC has been more limited.MethodsAdult Anopheles gambiae sensu lato (s.l.) and Anopheles funestus s.l. were collected from two sites in Sud-Kivu province and one site in Haut-Uélé province and PCR-screened for the presence of 11 resistance mutations, to provide additional information on frequency of resistance mechanisms in the eastern DRC, and to critically evaluate the utility of these markers for prospective country-wide resistance monitoring.ResultsL1014F-kdr and L1014S-kdr were present in 75.9% and 56.7% of An. gambiae s.l. screened, respectively, with some individuals harbouring both resistant alleles. Across the three study sites, L43F-CYP4J5 allele frequency ranged from 0.42 to 0.52, with evidence for ongoing selection. G119S-ace1 was also identified in all sites but at lower levels. A triple mutant haplotype (comprising the point mutation CYP6P4-I236M, the insertion of a partial Zanzibar-like transposable element and duplication of CYP6AA1) was present at high frequencies. In An. funestus s.l. cis-regulatory polymorphisms in CYP6P9a and CYP6P9b were detected, with allele frequencies ranging from 0.82 to 0.98 and 0.65 to 0.83, respectively.ConclusionsThis study screened the most up-to-date panel of DNA-based resistance markers in An. gambiae s.l. and An. funestus s.l. from the eastern DRC, where resistance data is lacking. Several new candidate markers (CYP4J5, G119S-ace1, the triple mutant, CYP6P9a and CYP6P9b) were identified, which are diagnostic of resistance to major insecticide classes, and warrant future, larger-scale monitoring in the DRC to inform vector control decisions by the National Malaria Control Programme.
| S-EPMC8670120 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundSulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) is a cornerstone of malaria chemoprophylaxis and is considered for programmes in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). However, SP efficacy is threatened by drug resistance, that is conferred by mutations in the dhfr and dhps genes. The World Health Organization has specified that intermittent preventive treatment for infants (IPTi) with SP should be implemented only if the prevalence of the dhps K540E mutation is under 50%. There are limited current data on the prevalence of resistance-conferring mutations available from Eastern DRC. The current study aimed to address this knowledge gap.MethodsDried blood-spot samples were collected from clinically suspected malaria patients [outpatient department (OPD)] and pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) in four sites in North and South Kivu, DRC. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) was performed on samples from individuals with positive and with negative rapid diagnostic test (RDT) results. Dhps K450E and A581G and dhfr I164L were assessed by nested PCR followed by allele-specific primer extension and detection by multiplex bead-based assays.ResultsAcross populations, Plasmodium falciparum parasite prevalence was 47.9% (1160/2421) by RDT and 71.7 (1763/2421) by qPCR. Median parasite density measured by qPCR in RDT-negative qPCR-positive samples was very low with a median of 2.3 parasites/µL (IQR 0.5-25.2). Resistance genotyping was successfully performed in RDT-positive samples and RDT-negative/qPCR-positive samples with success rates of 86.2% (937/1086) and 55.5% (361/651), respectively. The presence of dhps K540E was high across sites (50.3-87.9%), with strong evidence for differences between sites (p < 0.001). Dhps A581G mutants were less prevalent (12.7-47.2%). The dhfr I164L mutation was found in one sample.ConclusionsThe prevalence of the SP resistance marker dhps K540E exceeds 50% in all four study sites in North and South Kivu, DRC. K540E mutations regularly co-occurred with mutations in dhps A581G but not with the dhfr I164L mutation. The current results do not support implementation of IPTi with SP in the study area.
| S-EPMC6921399 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundSchistosomiasis, caused by Schistosoma mansoni, is of great significance to public health in sub-Saharan Africa. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), information on the burden of S. mansoni infection is scarce, which hinders the implementation of adequate control measures. We assessed the geographical distribution of S. mansoni infection across Ituri province in north-eastern DRC and determined the prevailing risk factors.Methods/principal findingsTwo province-wide, community-based studies were conducted. In 2016, a geographical distribution study was carried out in 46 randomly selected villages across Ituri. In 2017, an in-depth study was conducted in 12 purposively-selected villages, across the province. Households were randomly selected, and members were enrolled. In 2016, one stool sample was collected per participant, while in 2017, several samples were collected per participant. S. mansoni eggs were detected using the Kato-Katz technique. In 2017, a point-of-care circulating cathodic S. mansoni antigen (POC-CCA) urine test was the second used diagnostic approach. Household and individual questionnaires were used to collect data on demographic, socioeconomic, environmental, behavioural and knowledge risk factors. Of the 2,131 participants in 2016, 40.0% were positive of S. mansoni infection. Infection prevalence in the villages ranged from 0 to 90.2%. Of the 707 participants in 2017, 73.1% were tested positive for S. mansoni. Prevalence ranged from 52.8 to 95.0% across the health districts visited. Infection prevalence increased from north to south and from west to east. Exposure to the waters of Lake Albert and the villages' altitude above sea level were associated with the distribution. Infection prevalence and intensity peaked in the age groups between 10 and 29 years. Preschool children were highly infected (62.3%). Key risk factors were poor housing structure (odds ratio [OR] 2.1, 95% 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02-4.35), close proximity to water bodies (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.1-2.49), long-term residence in a community (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.11-1.79), lack of latrine in the household (OR 2.00, 95% CI 1.11-3.60), and swimming (OR 2.53, 95% CI 1.20-5.32) and washing (OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.10-2.78) in local water bodies.Conclusions/significanceOur results show that S. mansoni is highly endemic and a major health concern in Ituri province, DRC. Infection prevalence and intensity, and the prevailing socioeconomic, environmental, and behavioural risk factors in Ituri reflect intense exposure and alarming transmission rates. A robust plan of action is urgently needed in the province.
| S-EPMC8638996 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Maternal stress has long been associated with lower birthweight but mechanisms remain elusive. This study explored how maternal stress may impact changes in gene expression within a cohort of mother-placenta-newborn triads in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo We used microarrays to detail the global programme of gene expression underlying the impact of maternal stress on newborn birthweight and identified that global placental gene expression may partially mediate the negative impact of maternal war stress on newborn birthweight.
2023-03-10 | GSE226993 | GEO
Project description:Background: The Democratic Republic of the Congo underwent more than 25 years of war resulting in millions of deaths and in survivants struggling with trauma related disorders. The factors contributing to acute stress disorder following a traumatic event remain little understood. Emotion regulation might play a role in the development of acute stress disorder among victims of war-related violence. Objectives: We assessed the association between acute stress disorder expression and cognitive strategies of emotion regulation among injured victims of violence in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 120 patients (77% males, mean age 30 ± 11 years) with traumatic wounds admitted at the Bukavu General Hospital. We assessed acute stress disorder through the Stanford Acute Reaction Stress Questionnaire and emotion regulation strategies through the Cognitive emotional regulation questionnaire. Results: Using Pearson Chi2 and Student t-test we found that compared with patients without acute stress disorder (N = 56), patients with acute stress disorder (N = 64) were more likely to be victims of armed robbery (p = .02), of a bullet (p = .04), of having wounds with fracture (p = .03) or neurological damage (p = .05). In multivariate logistic regression, wounds with neurological damage [OR = 2.23 (1.03-6.05)] and maladaptive emotion regulation, namely self-blame [OR = 1.71 (1.01-3.21)] and rumination [OR = 1.97 (1.04-4.13)], were significant predictors of acute stress disorder. Conclusion: Acute stress disorder was prevalent in the aftermath of violence induced injuries and might be associated with emotion regulation strategies such as self-blame and rumination. HIGHLIGHTS Acute stress disorder is strongly associated with maladaptive emotion regulation strategies such as self-blame and rumination.Interventions targeting emotion regulation may reduce acute stress reactions in the aftermath of violence induced injuries.
| S-EPMC9397411 | biostudies-literature