Université Catholique du Graben

BackgroundHypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are the leading cause of maternal mortality in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), accounting for 70% of the global maternal death burden. Despite international guidelines, the management of these conditions, particularly preeclampsia, is hindered by significant structural, clinical, and sociocultural challenges in low-income countries. This narrative review critically analyzes the challenges in the prevention, diagnosis, and management of HDP in resource-constrained settings in SSA, and identifies contextually appropriate solutions to improve maternal outcomes.MethodsA literature search of studies published between 2014 and 2024 was conducted using the PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and African Journal Online databases. This review synthesizes evidence from qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method studies and systematic reviews focusing on the epidemiological, organizational, and community dimensions of care for hypertensive disorders across SSA countries. Studies were selected on the basis of their relevance to HDP care challenges and innovations in SSA. The Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles (SANRA) guided the rigor and reporting of this review, with six core criteria systematically applied: justification of article selection, comprehensive literature search, quality assessment, evidence synthesis, transparent reporting, and methodological transparency.ResultsKey challenges identified included fragmented health systems, poor adherence to clinical protocols, shortages of essential medicines and equipment, inadequate healthcare worker training, delayed care-seeking due to low health literacy and cultural beliefs, and insufficient epidemiological data. Promising strategies include strengthening antenatal care and screening, maternal education, task-sharing with community health workers, providing targeted training for healthcare workers, implementing simplified protocols, utilizing task sharing with community health workers, and enhancing interdisciplinary coordination.ConclusionReducing maternal mortality due to HDP in SSA requires an integrated approach that combines strengthening health systems, community engagement, targeted training, and context-adapted guidelines. Sustained investment in local research, data sharing, and policy reform is essential for achieving sustainable improvements in maternal health care.

Wood density is a key plant property, indispensable for estimating forest biomass. Yet, despite tropical regions' substantial contributions to global tree diversity and carbon cycling, they remain underrepresented in wood density datasets such as the CIRAD and Global Wood Density Database (GWDD). To address this gap, we present the 'Tervuren xylarium Wood Density Database' (TWDD), containing 13,332 samples from 2,994 species, 1,022 genera, and 156 plant families across six continents (72% from Africa). TWDD offers direct measurements of oven-dry (oven-dry mass/oven-dry volume, all samples), air-dry (air-dry mass/air-dry volume, 6,408 samples), green (green mass/green volume, 1,657 samples), and basic wood density (oven-dry mass/green volume, 1,686 samples). Basic density was estimated for the remaining 11,646 samples via conversion from oven-dry density. TWDD closes a substantial wood density data gap, especially in Africa, adding 1,164 new species, 160 new genera, and 8 new plant families not included in GWDD or CIRAD datasets. The TWDD provides a critical resource for advancing research on forest community dynamics, ecosystem functioning, carbon cycling, and trait-based ecology worldwide.

Neurocysticercosis (NCC), caused by the larval stage of Taenia solium, is a leading preventable cause of epilepsy in children, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where inadequate sanitation practices and limited veterinary control strategies persist. A missing link in the One Health response to NCC has been the absence of communication between neurospecialists and the other partners in control strategies. This narrative review explores how integrating neurological expertise into One Health strategies can enhance the prevention and control of NCC-associated epilepsy in children across the region. We reviewed literature from PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Google Scholar, Embase, Web of Science, Global Health, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and the African Index Medicus, including peer-reviewed articles and organizational reports published between 2013 and March 2025. Out of 1,509 records screened, 28 studies met the inclusion criteria, focusing on neuroparasitosis-associated epilepsy in children across SSA. These included research on disease burden and care challenges (n = 10), pathogenesis (n = 8), One Health control strategies (n = 4), and implementation barriers and solutions (n = 6). NCC remains a major contributor to pediatric epilepsy and associated disability in SSA. A One Health approach informed by direct input from neuro-specialists and better recording of infectious causes of epilepsy can assist teams to implement key strategies, including community education, improved sanitation, food safety measures, pig vaccination, and mass drug administration. Strengthening intersectoral collaboration and healthcare access is critical to reducing NCC burden and improving neurological outcomes for affected children.

Abstract Background An experiment was conducted from January to April 2024 in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to assess the influence of plot-specific environmental factors on the performance of three cucurbit crops: watermelon ( Citrullus lanatus , variety Sukari F1), squash ( Cucurbita pepo , variety Hybrid F1 Kalabasa Suprema), and cucumber ( Cucumis sativus , variety Ashley). The study aimed to evaluate the effects of soil fertility, climatic variables, and pest pressure on growth and yield outcomes. Methods A randomized block design with three replications was implemented across three plots. Soil samples were analyzed at the Soil Sciences Laboratory of the Catholic University of Bukavu for pH, organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and cation exchange capacity. Climatic data, including maximum temperature, dew point, relative humidity, and precipitation, were obtained from the NASA/POWER (CERES/MERRA2) database due to the lack of a local weather station. Crop development, fruit yield, and incidence of fruit fly damage were recorded throughout the cultivation cycle. Data were analyzed using R (version 4.2) and R Instat software, applying Kruskal-Wallis tests, Dunn’s post hoc analysis, Spearman correlations, and principal component analysis (PCA). Results Climatic trends indicated a transition from the rainy to the dry season, marked by rising temperatures and declining relative humidity. Soil fertility varied across plots, with squash plots showing the highest nutrient levels. Although flowering and crop duration did not differ significantly among species, watermelon tended to mature earlier. Significant differences in cucumber fruit weight and pest incidence in watermelon and squash were observed across plots, particularly in Plot C, which consistently exhibited higher fruit fly pressure. PCA and correlation analyses confirmed the strong association between pest-damaged fruits and higher incidence rates, as well as an inverse relationship with healthy fruit production. Conclusion Plot-specific environmental conditions significantly influenced cucurbit performance and fruit fly infestation. These findings highlight the importance of localized soil fertility management and targeted pest control strategies to enhance productivity and minimize yield losses in tropical smallholder systems.

This study aimed to characterize ophthalmological manifestations and associated inflammatory markers in EVD survivors in post-treatment era. Case-control study of ophthalmological manifestations and plasma inflammatory biomarker profile in EVD survivors (n = 120) from the 2018–2020 outbreak in DRC, their gender- and age-matched close contacts (n = 120) and non-contact (healthy) controls (n = 120). Expressions of inflammatory markers were assessed using the Olink Explore 384 Assay and compared across study groups before and after stratification by treatment with monoclonal antibodies (mAB114, ZMapp, or Regeneron) or antiviral drug (Remdesivir). Protein profiling was carried out using the Olink statistical package. Mean age (years) was comparable among survivors (29.7 ± 10.6), close contacts (28.9 ± 11.1) and non-contact controls (29.3 ± 10.6) (p = 0.85). Mean time from disease onset to clinical assessment was 3.5 ± 0.5 (2.5–4.2) years in survivors. Optic neuropathy was more common in survivors (6.7%) than in close contacts (0.8%) and non-contacts (0.0%) (p = 0.003). Survivors with optic neuropathy had significantly worse visual acuity in both eyes than those without optic neuropathy (all p < 0.001). Clinical evidence of past anterior uveitis was observed in 2.5% of survivors, 2.9% of close contacts, and 1.8% of healthy controls (p = 0.86). Plasma circulating DGKZ, INFGR1, ERBB3, and MICA-MICB showed differential expression patterns between survivors and controls (all p < 0.05). However, no clear separation could be detected on principal component analysis of multiplexed proteomic data between survivor and control samples. Three proteins (ITM2A, CLEC4D, NCLN) were differentially expressed and related to optic neuropathy. The comparison between treatment groups revealed a trend toward lower protein inflammatory markers in survivors treated with Remdesivir than those treated with monoclonal antibodies. We conclude that in treated EVD survivors, optic neuropathy was the only neuro-ophthalmologic abnormality. Uveitis was far less frequent than reported in West African cohorts. ITM2A, CLEC4D, and NCLN were differentially expressed in EVD survivors with optic neuropathy long after the acute phase of the infection. The true meaning of these findings will need further investigations.

Utilisation des technologies de l’information et de la communication dans la recherche scientifique | Congo-Afrique - Revue Congo-Afrique, la référence en matière d'économie, politique, vie sociale et culture en RDC et en Afrique

Abstract Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents a significant global health burden, ranking as the third most common cancer diagnosed worldwide and the second leading cause of mortality. This study seeks to address this knowledge gap by examining the demographic and clinical characteristics of CRC patients treated at Matanda Hospital, in Butembo, Est DR Congo. Methods this was a retrospective study of medical records of patients diagnosed with CRC at Matanda Hospital between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2022. Results The data obtained from Matanda Hospital for the years 2020 to 2022 indicates that out of 4079 patients who sought consultation in the surgery department, 30 were diagnosed with colorectal cancer, constituting 0.74% of the total patients. The majority of the affected individuals were male, aged 30 and above, and a significant proportion were farmers with a primary school education. Most patients with colorectal cancer presented with abdominal pain, with the sigmoid colon being the most commonly affected organ. Chemotherapy was administered in 30% of cases, while excision and stomas were performed in 53.33% and 46.67% of cases, respectively. A majority of patients (76.67%) had a hospitalization duration of less than 1 month, and 63.33% showed improvement in their condition whereas 10.0% died. Conclusion The concern of colorectal cancer persists in Butembo. Further research is necessary to determine the true epidemiology of the disease in the town.

Glioblastoma multiform (GBM), WHO grade 4, is the most aggressive primary brain tumor in adults associated with poor prognosis. We present a case of a 43-year-old female, Muyira, diagnosed with GBM involving multiple brain regions and harboring mutations in exon 4 of isocitrate dehydrogenase 1, who subsequently developed acute kidney failure. The patient initially presented with progressive neurological symptoms, including headache and cognitive decline. Multiplanar multiecho MRI of the brain was performed with IV contrast in orthogonal plane and revealed a moderate sized multilobulated heterogeneously and predominantly peripherally enhancing mass lesion with irregular margins and central non enhancing areas of necrosis arising from the right corona radiata, insular cortex, external capsule, lentiform nucleus, temporal, and frontal white matter with blood products. Perilesional edema was seen. Effacement of sulcal spaces. Right sylvian fissure, compression over right ventricle and midline shift of 8mm toward left side. There was dilatation of the left lateral ventricle with periventricular cerebrospinal fluid ooze. Uncal herniation was right side. On MR spectroscopy large choline, creatinine levels were seen in the lesion with reduced N-acetyl aspartate levels as compared to the normal parenchyma. Findings were suggestive of neoplastic lesion mostly high-grade glioma. Polymerase chain reaction sequencing confirmed the presence of missense mutation R132H in exon 4 of isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 gene. Despite maximal safe surgical resection, the patient developed acute kidney failure secondary to the nephrotoxic effects of gadolinium. Management of both the primary brain tumor and renal complication necessitated a multidisciplinary approach involving neurosurgery, oncology, nephrology, and supportive care. Despite aggressive interventions, the patient’s condition deteriorated, highlighting the challenges in managing concurrent life-threatening conditions in patients with advanced GBM.