Université du Burundi

Let [Formula: see text] be a principal ideal domain with infinite spectrum such that for every nonzero prime ideal [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text], the residue field [Formula: see text] is finite. Let [Formula: see text] be the quotient field of [Formula: see text]. We investigate sets of lengths in the ring of integer-valued polynomials on [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]M, D[Formula: see text]. For every multiset of integers [Formula: see text], we explicitly construct an element of Int([Formula: see text]) with exactly [Formula: see text] essentially different factorizations into irreducible elements of Int([Formula: see text] whose lengths are [Formula: see text]. Furthermore, we show that Int([Formula: see text]) is not a transfer Krull domain. These results spark off the study of sets of lengths in the rings Int([Formula: see text]) ≠Int([Formula: see text]), where [Formula: see text] is an infinite subset of [Formula: see text].

Ozone (O3) is a significant global air pollutant. Recent epidemiological studies have established a correlation between O3 exposure and an increased risk of neurological disorders. However, the underlying mechanisms by which O3 induces cognitive deficits remain unclear. This study demonstrated that exposure to environmentally relevant O3 levels resulted in significant cognitive impairment in mice. These deficits arose from hippocampal synaptic injury, characterized by reduced dendritic spine density, disrupted synaptic ultrastructure, and impaired long-term potentiation. Mechanistically, O3 activated the liver complement pathway, leading to increased levels of complement component 3 (C3) and its subsequent release into the bloodstream. Furthermore, O3 compromised the integrity of the blood-brain barrier, allowing peripheral C3 to infiltrate the hippocampus. Notably, C3 served as a key signal that triggered local pro-inflammatory microglial activation and enhanced their phagocytosis of excitatory synapses, ultimately resulting in synaptic loss and cognitive decline. Importantly, both the microglial inhibitor minocycline and liver-specific C3 knockdown suppressed pro-inflammatory microglial activation and restored synaptic plasticity and cognitive function. These findings systematically reveal a novel liver-brain axis in O3 neurotoxicity, whereby peripheral C3 drives central microglial phagocytosis of excitatory synapses, offering new mechanistic insights and potential therapeutic targets for O3-related neurological diseases.

Abstract Global food insecurity is exacerbated by population growth, climate change, and pressure on natural resources, with sub-Saharan Africa being disproportionately affected. In Burundi, diets are largely based on starchy staples that provide sufficient energy but remain deficient in high-quality protein and essential micronutrients, contributing to persistent malnutrition. Edible insects represent a sustainable, culturally accepted, and nutrient-dense alternative protein source that could support food fortification strategies. The nutritional, mineral, and functional quality of four edible insects was examined. The four edible insects were crickets (Acheta domesticus), locusts (Locusta migratoria), black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens), and bee larvae (Apis mellifera). The proximate composition, chitin level, mineral content, and some physicochemical attributes of the insects were determined. High inter-species variation was found. Crickets had the highest protein (approximately 57% dry matter), thus their suitability as nutritional supplements. Black soldier fly and bee larvae had high lipid and energy values, whereas locusts were found to have extremely high calcium levels. Bee larvae also showed relatively high iron and zinc values. Variability in chitin and biochemical composition affected the functional properties. In conclusion, the data illustrate the complementary, species-specific nutritional values of entomophagy products as sources of protein and micronutrients that can be integrated into meals based on staples in order to optimize the nutritional efficiency of diets in Burundi.

<title>Abstract</title> Bukavu, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, faces a critical waste management crisis due to rapid urbanization. The city produces approximately 898 tons of waste daily, yet only 7\% is collected through an inefficient system, intensifying sanitation and environmental risks. This study designs and validates a comprehensive Internet of Things network architecture to enable real-time monitoring of waste bin fill levels and optimize collection. The methodology involved a 12-week pilot deployment of seven smart bins prototypes across three neighborhood types: residential, dense, and peri-urban. Each 120-liter bin (empty weight: 5 kg, density: 0.20 kg/L) was equipped with an EM310-UDL ultrasonic sensor. Using a two-point calibration for bins with a useful height of 787 mm, a measured distance greater than 881 mm indicates an empty bin (0\% fill), while a distance less than or equal to 94 mm signals a full bin (100\%). Results demonstrate robust system viability: sensor energy autonomy remained above 90\% after 10 months for most units, despite network challenges where 57\% of sensors had a Received-Signal-Strength-Indicator less than or equal to -107 deciBel-milliwatt and 43\% exhibited negative Signal-to-Noise-Ratios values up to -10.25 decibel. The system enabled precise waste quantification, measuring 641 kg over 14 days in one pilot area. This research provides a practical technological and methodological framework for smart waste management in Bukavu. It paves the way for significant resource optimization, improved urban hygiene, and reduced operational costs, with a system design adaptable to bins ranging from 0.787 m to 4 m in height.

Purpose: To assess the anatomical, radiological, and functional outcomes of fluoroscopy-free percutaneous intrafocal pinning for distal radius fractures in adults in resource-constrained settings of South Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo.Methods: In a prospective, multicenter, interventional study, 101 adults with distal radius fractures were treated from January 2018 to December 2023 across four hospitals. Fractures were reduced using external maneuvers and stabilized with three-pin percutaneous intrafocal pinning without fluoroscopy. Outcomes were evaluated using the Grumillier Criteria and modified Castaing classification, with a minimum six-month follow-up. Data analysis with R software (R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria) included descriptive statistics, principal component analysis, and factorial analysis.Results: Patients had a mean age of 36.41 ± 12.61 years (range: 18-70). Castaing type I fractures comprised 92.08% of cases, with types 2 and 4 each at 2.97%. Consolidation occurred at a mean of 46.82 ± 4.67 days. Complications included superficial infections (three cases), callus formation (three cases), pin migration (two cases), algodystrophy (one case), twisted pin (one case), radial sensory branch injury (one case), and thumb extensor tendon injury (one case). At a mean follow-up of 27.27 ± 11.85 months, subjective outcomes were very good in 84.16% and good in 9.90%; objective outcomes were very good in 77.23% and good in 16.83%; and radiological outcomes were very good in 75.25% and good in 19.80%. Longer rehabilitation correlated with poorer scores, while extended hospitalization was associated with worse objective outcomes. Socio-professional reintegration was reduced with poor objective scores. Age and gender had no impact on outcomes.Conclusion: Fluoroscopy-free percutaneous intrafocal pinning is a safe and effective technique for managing distal radius fractures in low-resource settings. It delivers excellent anatomical, radiological, and functional results.

This work focused on a prospective, cross-sectional study with a descriptive and analytical aim on pregnant women coming for labour at Renato Monolo Hospital in Kiremba, northern Burundi. The study involved one hundred and eleven (111) women and the same number of their new-borns. The present research was conducted over a period of 9 months, from March to November 2024. The data collection tools consisted of a questionnaire and mother-child health records. Data processing was carried out using Excel and SPSS software version 21.0. The results indicate that the majority of the surveyed mothers came from the Kiremba commune (73.9%). This is a relatively young group of women, with 48.6% aged between 20 and 30 years. All the women were farmers. However, the level of education varied: secondary (11.71%), primary (45.05%), and illiterate (43.24%). The study revealed that the higher the mothers' level of education, the better their BMI. Indeed, 100% of women with a BMI &lt;18.5 had an education level equal to or below primary school. New-borns with a weight &lt;2500 g accounted for about 20% among mothers with primary and secondary education levels. Similarly, iron supplementation promotes better new-born weight. In conclusion, our study showed that a higher level of education, BMI, and haemoglobin are positively associated with better birth weights in new-borns and that iron supplementation should also continue after childbirth.

The present study evaluated the nutritional status of industrial sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) plantations managed by SOSUMO in Burundi using the Compositional Nutrient Diagnosis (CND) method via the CNDr² index. Foliar samples from 41 plots were analysed for seven key nutrients: Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Copper (Cu) and Zinc (Zn). A CNDr² threshold of 7.4 was established to identify significant nutritional imbalances. Results showed that 56.1% of plots had low yields linked to nutrient deficiencies, mainly Magnesium (27%), Nitrogen (17%), and Potassium (15%). Zinc and Copper deficiencies affected 12–14% of plots. About 22% of plots had low yields despite balanced nutrition, highlighting non-nutritional factors such as soil or management issues. Conversely, 9.8% of plots achieved high yields despite imbalances, suggesting short-term compensation through intensive practices. The CNDr² index proved a reliable tool for diagnosing nutrient imbalances and guiding fertilisation strategies aligned with the 4R nutrient stewardship principles. The study underscores the importance of adapting nutrient recommendations to local soil, climate, and crop conditions while addressing non-nutritional constraints to sustain and improve sugarcane productivity in Burundi.

Many countries worldwide, particularly those in sub-Saharan Africa, suffer from malaria burden, both mortality and morbidity. Multiple funding agencies are investing to improve the health of populations. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of malaria funding on mortality and morbidity in children under 5years of age over a 15-year period. A retrospective study was conducted from 2009 to 2023 across the country. Analysis was based on a secondary analysis of routine data from health facilities via DHIS2. Financial data was assembled from the malaria programme and health accounts. Between 2009 and 2023, Burkina Faso's population grew by 50.7%, from 15.2 to 22.9 million. Children under 5 represented 19.1% of the population in 2009 and 17.9% in 2023 and increased in number by 41.4%. In fifteen years, Burkina Faso invested USD13,545 million in the health sector, including 15.3% against malaria. These efforts yielded several benefits in health services including: the reduction of distance travelled by the population to health facilities from 7.2 to 6.0km; the number of new contacts per capita for children under 5 per year increased from 0.8 to 2.1; the malaria case fatality rate decreased from 3.4% to 1.3% in children under 5. Stratified analysis identified three regions out of thirteen [Sahel (IRR = 4.1), Boucle du Mouhoun (IRR = 3.5) and Nord (IRR = 3.4), where the risk of malaria mortality was three times higher than in the Centre. The study demonstrated the impact of funding on malaria morbidity and mortality, and diverse local risk of death from malaria in children under 5.

BackgroundHIV self-testing (HIVST) is a testing strategy to reach individuals not engaged in healthcare. We evaluated ICAP's Reaching Impact, Saturation and Epidemic Control (RISE) program's healthcare-worker-assisted HIVST on the number of persons testing HIV-positive (PTP) and HIV case finding rate (CFR) in "hard-to-reach" members of the general population in targeted provinces in Burundi.MethodsUsing routine data from October 2020 to September 2023, with October-December 2021 as the scale-up quarter, we used difference-in-difference analysis to assess changes in PTP and CFR after versus before scale-up-onset in "mature" versus "less mature" provinces. Provinces were chosen to approximate more and less exposed comparison units. We performed subgroup analyses by sex and age (10-24, ≥25 years).ResultsHIVST averaged 1.46% (mature) and 3.07% (less mature) of pre-scale-up testing, and 13.59% (mature) and 9.84% (less mature) of post-scale-up testing. PTP trends declined more in the mature versus less mature provinces post-scale-up (-34.25, 95% CI -84.87-16.37) although this was not significant. We found no difference in the CFR change between provinces post versus pre-scale-up (0.06%, 95% CI -0.29%-0.41%). Results were robust to subgroup and sensitivity analyses.ConclusionsWe found no changes in PTP and CFR after RISE's HIVST scale-up. After results were reported to implementers, they implemented strategies to better meet programmatic goals.