· AIM: to determine the frequency and causes of blindness in diabetic Africans. ·METHODS: The study was a cross-sectional survey carried out among known black diabetics consecutively admitted at the Teaching...· AIM: to determine the frequency and causes of blindness in diabetic Africans. ·METHODS: The study was a cross-sectional survey carried out among known black diabetics consecutively admitted at the Teaching Hospital, University of Kinshasa, between 2005 and 2007. Examination methods included interviewer -administered structured question - naire, eye examinations (visual acuity, tonometry, funduscopy), and fasting plasma glycaemia test. ·RESULTS: Of the 227 patients examined, 15.9% had blindness. Univariate analyses showed significant association between female, severity of diabetic retinopathy, Mayombian ethnic group, use of insulin treatment, low intake of vegetables, diabetic nephropathy, open angle glaucoma and blindness in all diabetics. After logistic regression, only diabetic nephropathy, use of insulin treatment, macular oedema, Mayombian ethnic group and vegetables low intake were the independent risk factors of blindness in all diabetics. However, after logistic regression in the sub -group with diabetic retinopathy, only open angle glaucoma and proliferative diabetic retinopathy were the independent determinants of blindness.·CONCLUSION: The majority of the causes of blindness in these diabetic Africans are avoidable. It is recommended that appropriate diabetes care, nutrition education, periodic eye examination and laser photocoagulation facilities should be provided for treating diabetics in sub-Saharan Africa. ·展开更多
Background: Tuberculosis among non-UK-born Black Africans has been gradually recognized as a public health problem in the UK despite the various interventions implemented. Objectives: To explore the perceptions of non...Background: Tuberculosis among non-UK-born Black Africans has been gradually recognized as a public health problem in the UK despite the various interventions implemented. Objectives: To explore the perceptions of non-UK-born Black Africans about TB health risk;to explore the health seeking behavior of the non-UK-born Black Africans in relation to TB and to explore lay views on TB health education and screening as opportunities for health promotion. Methodology and Study Design: A qualitative methodology was used on a purposively selected sample of 12 non-UK-born Black Africans living in Leeds. Face-to-face interviews were conducted to explore the lay perceptions about TB. Thematic analysis was used to derive important themes in accordance to the study objectives. Ethical approval was provided by Leeds Metropolitan University. Setting: Community setting of non-UK-born Black Africans in Leeds, UK. Results: This population holds mixed views and perceptions about tuberculosis, few facilitators and many barriers existed to current TB prevention efforts. The barriers included: language barriers, barriers related to services and systems, immigration status and stigma despite the benefits involved. The potential for black African communities to readily increase the likelihood of behavior change was found as an important finding for this study. Conclusions: Tuberculosis is a preventable public health problem. Involvement of the non-UK-born black Africans communities in the TB prevention may be beneficial for reducing and tackling TB rates in this population. Such an approach is potentially inexpensive and more readily implementable than other suggested strategies such as changes to immigration policies.展开更多
Background: Male infertility is approaching an epidemic proportion. Almost 50% of all cases of infertility may be associated with a male factor. The diagnostic usefulness of sperm DNA integrity is now accessible as an...Background: Male infertility is approaching an epidemic proportion. Almost 50% of all cases of infertility may be associated with a male factor. The diagnostic usefulness of sperm DNA integrity is now accessible as an additional tool to Seminal Fluid Analysis. Objective: To assess sperm DNA fragmentation index (SDFI) in male infertility and its relationship with obesity, alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking among infertile Nigerians. Patients and Methods: Patients who presented for infertility at three health facilities of Nordica Fertility Center in Lagos, Asaba and Abuja cities in Nigeria. STATA 13 was used for student’s t-test to compare the means of continuous variables among smokers and non-smokers and among alcohol consumers and non-consumers. Linear regression analysis was employed to assess the correlation between SDFI as dependent variable and some independent variables. Results: There was no significant difference in the SDFI of men aged −1.80, P-value = 0.04) than that of obese men (30.2%). Obese men were 2.12 times as likely to have SDFI ≥25% compared to normal weight men (χ2-2.16, P-value = 0.14, OR = 2.12, 95% CI: 0.77, 5.80). Mean SDFI of men who consume alcohol (37.1%) was significantly higher (t = −1.97, P-value = 0.03) than that of those who did not consume alcohol. Although Pearson’s correlation matrix (r) indicated that sperm DNA fragmentation index was positively correlated with history of infertility (r = 0.01), groin surgery (r = 0.04), mumps (r = 0.04) and sexually transmitted illness (r = 0.04), however the degree of correlation was not significant (P-value ≥ 0.5) in each case. Conclusion: This is the first report in Black Africa that describes a correlation between sperm DNA integrity, as measured by the halo test and age, BMI and alcohol consumption. Men with normal BMI were more likely to have excellent to good SDFI and hence good fertility potential. Data from this study indicate that the infertile men had significantly higher sperm DNA fragmentation. Obese men and those engaged in alcohol consumption also had higher sperm DNA fragmentation indices.展开更多
Background: To determine mortality causes and the associated factors. Patients and Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2014 to May 2015 (1 year) in the department of cardiology at University and...Background: To determine mortality causes and the associated factors. Patients and Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2014 to May 2015 (1 year) in the department of cardiology at University and teaching Hospital of Brazzaville. Patients admitted for cardiovascular diseases were included. Patients admitted for cardiovascular disease in other departments of the hospital, or without cardiovascular diseases were not included. Results: In total, 1035 patients, 605 women (5804%) were included. Mean age was 57.1 ± 7 years (range: 18 - 85 years). The patients were: elderly (n = 498, 48.1%), educated (n = 809, 78.1%), low-income (n = 253, 24.2%). The medical history of patients was: hypertension (n = 440, 42.5%), diabetes (n = 316, 30.5%), reduced physical activity (n = 154, 14.9%), excessive alcohol intake (n = 56, 5.4%). Heart failure was reported in 386 cases (37.3%). The mortality rate was 8% (n = 83);the mean age of deceased was 61.9 ± 7.3 years (p s in death were dilated cardiomyopathy (n = 37, 44.6%, OR 5, 95%CI 3.1 - 8, p -3.3, p = 0.002), atrial fibrillation (n = 24, 29%, OR 3.6, 95%CI 2.2 - 6, p - 9.8, p = 0.005). The associated death comorbidities were: acute respiratory infection (n = 44, 53%, OR 10.1, 95%CI 6.2 - 16, p - 10 p - 6.8, p Conclusion: Hypertension, heart failure and cardiomyopathies are the leading causes of mortality in the department of cardiology. Prevention and patient education in a low-income environment are essential elements to reduce this morbidity.展开更多
This paper examines the life of Africans,using literature to discuss movements from Africa to other parts of the world as Diasporas.Such movements begin with slavery,to political asylum being sought and now self-initi...This paper examines the life of Africans,using literature to discuss movements from Africa to other parts of the world as Diasporas.Such movements begin with slavery,to political asylum being sought and now self-initiated movements for trade,education,and labour for the facilitation of both information and industrial development.Relevant literatures are reviewed and analysed for their symbolic implications beyond the texts in order to establish the dialectic of facts and fiction.The relevant literatures include:Olaudah Equaino’s(1789)Equaino’s Travels,Joseph Conrad’s(1995)Heart of Darkness and Other Stories,and Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo’s(2008)Trafficked.This paper posits that prior to the 15th century,Africans were free in their natural milieu with either no threat to their lives or being alienated from their ancestral homes until the period of slavery.Sequel to the attainment of independence by most African countries with the hope for self-governance and development,corruption,civil wars,foreign debts,economic depression,famine,and poverty truncate the people’s hope for better living.African citizens therefore seek refuge abroad in countries with viable economy.With globalization,not only education and culture play significant roles,but also modern technology especially information and communication technology(ICT)play key roles in population drift in trade.There lies an absurdity that Africans now flee their once free homeland or countries to foreign lands which are perceived as“heaven on earth”because of their functional systems through effective governance.Thus,this paper concludes that new movements and new Africans in the Diaspora are self-initiated,imposed,and motivated irrespective of their being alienated from home and the risks involved since the end will justify the means.展开更多
<div style="text-align:justify;"> <strong>Background</strong>: <span "="">Insulin resistance (IR) is the backbone of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The latter are the ...<div style="text-align:justify;"> <strong>Background</strong>: <span "="">Insulin resistance (IR) is the backbone of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The latter are the most common non-communicable diseases globally. Diet is an important determinant of CVDs. The link between diet and cardiovascular health could be explained by an association between diet pattern and IR. <b>Aims</b>: To investigate the association between salt and specific food consumption as well as different diet patterns (Mediterranean, westernized, and intermediate dietary patterns) with HOMAIR as a surrogate marker of IR, and fasting insulin in Black, sub-Saharan essential hypertensive</span> patient<span "="">s. <b>Methods</b>: The multicentric, cross-sectional analysis involved 77 Congolese Black hypertensive participants with no history of cardiovascular disease. Daily sodium chloride intake (NaCl g/24h) was estimated from 24-hour urine collection. Dietary behaviours were evaluated through a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMAIR) ≥ 2.5 was used as surrogate marker of IR. <b>Results</b>: A decrease in weekly consumption of fruits, vegetables and fish would significantly explain an increase of 29% (r = 0.292;p = 0.010), 24% (r = 0.242;p = 0.034) and 23% (r = 0.226;p = 0.048) of the value of HOMAIR respectively. In contrast, an increase in daily sodium chloride intake was associated with 28% (r = 0.283, p = 0.027) of the increase in HOMAIR. Also, a decrease in the average weekly consumption of fruit, vegetables and fish would significantly explain an increase of 25% (r = 0.247;p = 0.030), 30% (r = 0.302;p = 0.008) and 31% (r = 0.313;p = 0.006) of fasting insulin. In contrast, an increase in red meat consumption was associated with a 26% increase (r = 0.257, p = 0.024) in fasting insulin. In multivariable adjusted analysis 45% of variation in fasting insulin (R<sup>2</sup> = 0.452;overall p = 0.005) were explained by fruits, vegetables and fish consumption. 38% of variation in HOMAIR (R<sup>2</sup> = 0.379;overall p = 0.047) were explained by fruits and vegetable consumption and daily sodium chloride intake (NaCl g/24h). <b>Conclusions: </b>In hypertensive Black sub-Saharan Africans, Salt intake and westernized diet seem to promote insulin resistance whereas Mediterranean diet, fruits, vegetables and fish consumption enhance insulin sensitivity.</span> </div>展开更多
NOVEMBER 2012 was a big political moment for China, marking a once-in-a-decade change of top leadership at the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China （CPC）. The changes will signal how China moves fo...NOVEMBER 2012 was a big political moment for China, marking a once-in-a-decade change of top leadership at the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China （CPC）. The changes will signal how China moves forward in its development as well as sparking debate on how this change could play a decisive role in influencing world affairs. ChinAfrica asked a cross section of media commentators, a publishing executive and an author to share their opinions on this important event：展开更多
The authors conducted a retrospective study over a period of 6 months in a hypertensive population in order to determine the correlation between serum uric acid on glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and estimated serum ...The authors conducted a retrospective study over a period of 6 months in a hypertensive population in order to determine the correlation between serum uric acid on glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and estimated serum potassium with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and obesity. This study enrolled 122 patients including 63 women (51.6%). The mean age was 55.9 ± 10.6 years (range 30 to 74 years). Obesity weight was found in 38 cases (31.1%) of which 20?were men (33.9%) and 18 women (28.6%). Abdominal obesity was found in 104 cases (85.2%). The average serum uric acid in patients with obesity weight was 63.3 ± 18.9 mg/L vs 62.4 ± 14.2 mg/L for no-obese patients (p?= 0.63). The average serum potassium in obese patients was 4.06 ± 0.42 mEq/L vs 4.02 ± 0.46 mEq/L for no-obese (p?= 0.65). The average GFR was 73.4 ± 21.4 ml/L in obese patients vs 66.6 ± 22.6 ml/min in no-obese (p?= 0.03). The LVH was found in 81 cases (66.4%). The LVH was found in 65 (62.5%) obese patients vs?16 (88%) non-obese patients (OR = 4.8, 95% 1.04?-?22?p?= 0.02). Only abdominal?obesity has been correlated with left ventricular hypertrophy after multivariate analysis. Emphasis must be focused on public health actions for effective and appropriate measures against obesity and hypertension, whose prevalence is increasing in our region.展开更多
Introduction: Although the prevalence of endometriosis is to a certain extent documented in women living in high resource countries, its prevalence in black Africa is unknown. Since the current view is that endometrio...Introduction: Although the prevalence of endometriosis is to a certain extent documented in women living in high resource countries, its prevalence in black Africa is unknown. Since the current view is that endometriosis hardly affects indigenous Africans, we aim to provide a systematic review of prevalence of endometriosis among the indigenous Africans. Objective: To determine the prevalence and clinical presentation of endometriosis in the indigenous African women. Methodology: A systematic literature search was carried out for relevant articles on all citations on PubMed, based on the key words “Endometriosis” and “Africa”. An additional search was done on African journal Online. Outcome Measures: The primary outcome measure was the prevalence of endometriosis among indigenous Africans. Results: Out of 58 identified paper’s, only 4 were eligible for the systematic review. The prevalence of endometriosis was 4.3% (Osefo et al. [1] and 8.2% (Ekwempu et al. [2]) in the laparotomy and hysterectomy specimen respectively. In the paper by Fawole et al. [3], where endometriosis was diagnosed on the basis of laparoscopic visualization alone without histological confirmation, the prevalence was 48.1%. Somigliana et al. [4] estimated endometriosis to be 0.2% based on clinical history, clinical examination and imaging, without surgical procedure to confirm this estimation. Due to differences in study populations, methodology and diagnostic criteria, it was not possible to have pooled prevalence of endometriosis. Conclusion: Although existing evidence suggests that the prevalence of endometriosis in indigenous Africans is 0.2% - 48.1%, the study analyzed had limitations. Prospective multi-centered studies with laparoscopic diagnosis and histological confirmation of endometriosis are required to establish the prevalence of endometriosis among the general population in the indigenous Africans. Endometriosis in Africa needs to receive more research attention. This paper is expected to stimulate and sensitize the clinicians and researchers in Africa about this condition.展开更多
Zhang Yong,the renowned Chinese filmmaker behind the acclaimed documentary Africans in Yiwu and other works exploring Sino-African relations,including Chinese Meet Africa and Bobby’s Factory,has made a stunning retur...Zhang Yong,the renowned Chinese filmmaker behind the acclaimed documentary Africans in Yiwu and other works exploring Sino-African relations,including Chinese Meet Africa and Bobby’s Factory,has made a stunning return with his latest masterpiece,Generation Z’s China-Africa Stories.The film premiered in August to much acclaim in the Chinese market,with a title that aptly reflects the focus of the narrative:generation Z.“Throughout my many visits to the African continent,what has impressed me the most is generation Z,”Zhang told ChinAfrica.展开更多
As a Burundian doctoral student at Nanjing University,my personal journey is closely intertwined with China’s development in the new era and the deepening China-Africa partnership.Recently,my experiences have given m...As a Burundian doctoral student at Nanjing University,my personal journey is closely intertwined with China’s development in the new era and the deepening China-Africa partnership.Recently,my experiences have given me a deeper appreciation of the importance of people-to-people exchanges between China and Africa.展开更多
This work examines media through a decolonial lens,centring Dagba$epistemologies to demonstrate how African languages,cultures,and traditions can transform how we think of knowledge.Focusing on film,television and rad...This work examines media through a decolonial lens,centring Dagba$epistemologies to demonstrate how African languages,cultures,and traditions can transform how we think of knowledge.Focusing on film,television and radio in Ghanaian African languages,the book argues for a decolonial politics and praxis in co-creating knowledge with Indigenous communities.It critically links the struggles of global majority countries,showing how colonialism and imperialism obstruct liberatory futures,while foregrounding African language media as vital tools for cultural and epistemological decolonisation.Heralded as part of an unstoppable shift away from Eurocentrism,the book is distinguished by its radical feminist subaltern analysis and its deep grounding in lived experience from Northern Ghana.By excavating local agency within the digital mediascape,Mohammed o!ers a crucial historical and political-economic theorisation of media practice and consumption.展开更多
Rwanda-China alliance launches youth innovation union,opening doors for African entrepreneurs On a warm afternoon in Kigali,students filled a conference hall at the University of Rwanda,sitting shoulder to shoulder wi...Rwanda-China alliance launches youth innovation union,opening doors for African entrepreneurs On a warm afternoon in Kigali,students filled a conference hall at the University of Rwanda,sitting shoulder to shoulder with lecturers and visitors from China,unsure at first how significant the moment would be.Some came out of curiosity.Others came with hope.By the end of the ceremony,many felt they had witnessed more than the launch of a new academic centre-they had watched a door open.展开更多
The Double Take column looks at a single topic from an African and Chinese perspective.This month,we discuss what makes a job meaningful.Look Beyond the Surface.What makes a job meaningful?The answer is far from unive...The Double Take column looks at a single topic from an African and Chinese perspective.This month,we discuss what makes a job meaningful.Look Beyond the Surface.What makes a job meaningful?The answer is far from universal.For some,it’s the stability of a pay cheque and a clear path for career growth.展开更多
This scoping review aimed to explore the nature and structure of Student Counselling and Development Units(SCDUs)in Africa towards a better understanding of the role they play in African Higher Education Institutions(...This scoping review aimed to explore the nature and structure of Student Counselling and Development Units(SCDUs)in Africa towards a better understanding of the role they play in African Higher Education Institutions(HEIs).A comprehensive literature search of ten years(2015-2025)on five electronic databases was conducted.Titles and abstracts were screened,and full articles examined,resulting in 23 studies meeting the inclusion criteria.Using thematic analysis,five main overarching themes were identified:(i)the scope and focus of services in SCDUs,(ii)multidisciplinary teams,(iii)approaches to service provision,(iv)challenges in providing effective support,and(v)adaptability of SCDUs.These themes highlighted that SCDUs offer a multidimensional range of support services and adopt systems-based frameworks.Moreover,they face significant challenges,including limited resources,poor service utilization,and the need for culturally sensitive practices.Conversely,a major strength is their adaptability of implementing online and blended service delivery models.展开更多
Editor's Note In his keynote address at the opening ceremony of the Global Leaders'Meeting on Women,held in Beijing on October 13,2025,Chinese President Xi Jinping announced a series of measures China will tak...Editor's Note In his keynote address at the opening ceremony of the Global Leaders'Meeting on Women,held in Beijing on October 13,2025,Chinese President Xi Jinping announced a series of measures China will take,in the next five years,to further support the global cause of women.One of the measures is:China will launch 1,000"small and beautiful"livelihood programs with Chinese assistance that take women and girls as priority beneficiaries.展开更多
Discussions on Chinese modernization are offering African countries both conceptual inspiration and practical references as they explore their own sustainable development paths.
1.Objective Nigeria lies between the West African Craton and the Congo Craton,south of the Tuareg Shield(Ogunmola JK et al.,2015).The Nasarawa pegmatite field mainly comprises of the Precambrian Basement Complex(inclu...1.Objective Nigeria lies between the West African Craton and the Congo Craton,south of the Tuareg Shield(Ogunmola JK et al.,2015).The Nasarawa pegmatite field mainly comprises of the Precambrian Basement Complex(including Archean-Proterozoic migmatite,gneiss,schists and Pan-African “Older Granites”),Mesozoic alkaline ring complexes(“Younger Granites”) and sedimentary basins(Yang QD et al.,2023;Fig.1a).“Older Granites” are part of the Pan-African mobile belt;“Younger Granites” has significant peralkaline characteristics.“Younger Granites” has a wide distribution in the north-central region of Nigeria,including areas such as Kano,Jos-Bauchi,Mada,and Nasarawa,and the emplacement age gradually decreases from north to south from 213 Ma(Dutse complex) to 141 Ma(Afu complex)(Amuda AK et al.,2021).展开更多
BACKGROUND In an era leaning toward a personalized alignment of total knee arthroplasty,coronal plane alignment of the knee(CPAK)phenotypes for each population are studied;furthermore,other possible variables affectin...BACKGROUND In an era leaning toward a personalized alignment of total knee arthroplasty,coronal plane alignment of the knee(CPAK)phenotypes for each population are studied;furthermore,other possible variables affecting the alignment,such as ankle joint alignment,should be considered.AIM To determine CPAK distribution in the North African(Egyptian)population with knee osteoarthritis and to assess ankle joint line orientation(AJLO)adaptations across different CPAK types.METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted on patients with primary knee osteoarthritis and normal ankle joints.Radiographic parameters included the mechanical lateral distal femoral angle,medial proximal tibial angle,and the derived calculations of joint line obliquity(JLO)and arithmetic hip-knee-ankle angle(aHKA).The tibial plafond horizontal angle(TPHA)was used for AJLO assessment,where 0°is neutral(type N),<0°is varus(type A),and>0°is valgus(type B).The nine CPAK types were further divided into 27 subtypes after incorporating the three AJLO types.RESULTS A total of 527 patients(1054 knees)were included for CPAK classification,and 435 patients(870 knees and ankles)for AJLO assessment.The mean age was 57.2±7.8 years,with 79.5%females.Most knees(76.4%)demonstrated varus alignment(mean aHKA was-5.51°±4.84°)and apex distal JLO(55.3%)(mean JLO was 176.43°±4.53°).CPAK types I(44.3%),IV(28.6%),and II(10%)were the most common.Regarding AJLO,70.2%of ankles exhibited varus orientation(mean TPHA was-5.21°±6.45°).The most frequent combined subtypes were CPAK type I-A(33.7%),IV-A(21.5%),and I-N(6.9%).A significant positive correlation was found between the TPHA and aHKA(r=0.40,P<0.001).CONCLUSION In this North African cohort,varus knee alignment with apex distal JLO and varus AJLO predominated.CPAK types I,IV,and II were the most common types,while subtypes I-A,IV-A,and I-N were commonly occurring after incorporating AJLO types;furthermore,the AJLO was significantly correlated to aHKA.展开更多
文摘· AIM: to determine the frequency and causes of blindness in diabetic Africans. ·METHODS: The study was a cross-sectional survey carried out among known black diabetics consecutively admitted at the Teaching Hospital, University of Kinshasa, between 2005 and 2007. Examination methods included interviewer -administered structured question - naire, eye examinations (visual acuity, tonometry, funduscopy), and fasting plasma glycaemia test. ·RESULTS: Of the 227 patients examined, 15.9% had blindness. Univariate analyses showed significant association between female, severity of diabetic retinopathy, Mayombian ethnic group, use of insulin treatment, low intake of vegetables, diabetic nephropathy, open angle glaucoma and blindness in all diabetics. After logistic regression, only diabetic nephropathy, use of insulin treatment, macular oedema, Mayombian ethnic group and vegetables low intake were the independent risk factors of blindness in all diabetics. However, after logistic regression in the sub -group with diabetic retinopathy, only open angle glaucoma and proliferative diabetic retinopathy were the independent determinants of blindness.·CONCLUSION: The majority of the causes of blindness in these diabetic Africans are avoidable. It is recommended that appropriate diabetes care, nutrition education, periodic eye examination and laser photocoagulation facilities should be provided for treating diabetics in sub-Saharan Africa. ·
文摘Background: Tuberculosis among non-UK-born Black Africans has been gradually recognized as a public health problem in the UK despite the various interventions implemented. Objectives: To explore the perceptions of non-UK-born Black Africans about TB health risk;to explore the health seeking behavior of the non-UK-born Black Africans in relation to TB and to explore lay views on TB health education and screening as opportunities for health promotion. Methodology and Study Design: A qualitative methodology was used on a purposively selected sample of 12 non-UK-born Black Africans living in Leeds. Face-to-face interviews were conducted to explore the lay perceptions about TB. Thematic analysis was used to derive important themes in accordance to the study objectives. Ethical approval was provided by Leeds Metropolitan University. Setting: Community setting of non-UK-born Black Africans in Leeds, UK. Results: This population holds mixed views and perceptions about tuberculosis, few facilitators and many barriers existed to current TB prevention efforts. The barriers included: language barriers, barriers related to services and systems, immigration status and stigma despite the benefits involved. The potential for black African communities to readily increase the likelihood of behavior change was found as an important finding for this study. Conclusions: Tuberculosis is a preventable public health problem. Involvement of the non-UK-born black Africans communities in the TB prevention may be beneficial for reducing and tackling TB rates in this population. Such an approach is potentially inexpensive and more readily implementable than other suggested strategies such as changes to immigration policies.
文摘Background: Male infertility is approaching an epidemic proportion. Almost 50% of all cases of infertility may be associated with a male factor. The diagnostic usefulness of sperm DNA integrity is now accessible as an additional tool to Seminal Fluid Analysis. Objective: To assess sperm DNA fragmentation index (SDFI) in male infertility and its relationship with obesity, alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking among infertile Nigerians. Patients and Methods: Patients who presented for infertility at three health facilities of Nordica Fertility Center in Lagos, Asaba and Abuja cities in Nigeria. STATA 13 was used for student’s t-test to compare the means of continuous variables among smokers and non-smokers and among alcohol consumers and non-consumers. Linear regression analysis was employed to assess the correlation between SDFI as dependent variable and some independent variables. Results: There was no significant difference in the SDFI of men aged −1.80, P-value = 0.04) than that of obese men (30.2%). Obese men were 2.12 times as likely to have SDFI ≥25% compared to normal weight men (χ2-2.16, P-value = 0.14, OR = 2.12, 95% CI: 0.77, 5.80). Mean SDFI of men who consume alcohol (37.1%) was significantly higher (t = −1.97, P-value = 0.03) than that of those who did not consume alcohol. Although Pearson’s correlation matrix (r) indicated that sperm DNA fragmentation index was positively correlated with history of infertility (r = 0.01), groin surgery (r = 0.04), mumps (r = 0.04) and sexually transmitted illness (r = 0.04), however the degree of correlation was not significant (P-value ≥ 0.5) in each case. Conclusion: This is the first report in Black Africa that describes a correlation between sperm DNA integrity, as measured by the halo test and age, BMI and alcohol consumption. Men with normal BMI were more likely to have excellent to good SDFI and hence good fertility potential. Data from this study indicate that the infertile men had significantly higher sperm DNA fragmentation. Obese men and those engaged in alcohol consumption also had higher sperm DNA fragmentation indices.
文摘Background: To determine mortality causes and the associated factors. Patients and Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2014 to May 2015 (1 year) in the department of cardiology at University and teaching Hospital of Brazzaville. Patients admitted for cardiovascular diseases were included. Patients admitted for cardiovascular disease in other departments of the hospital, or without cardiovascular diseases were not included. Results: In total, 1035 patients, 605 women (5804%) were included. Mean age was 57.1 ± 7 years (range: 18 - 85 years). The patients were: elderly (n = 498, 48.1%), educated (n = 809, 78.1%), low-income (n = 253, 24.2%). The medical history of patients was: hypertension (n = 440, 42.5%), diabetes (n = 316, 30.5%), reduced physical activity (n = 154, 14.9%), excessive alcohol intake (n = 56, 5.4%). Heart failure was reported in 386 cases (37.3%). The mortality rate was 8% (n = 83);the mean age of deceased was 61.9 ± 7.3 years (p s in death were dilated cardiomyopathy (n = 37, 44.6%, OR 5, 95%CI 3.1 - 8, p -3.3, p = 0.002), atrial fibrillation (n = 24, 29%, OR 3.6, 95%CI 2.2 - 6, p - 9.8, p = 0.005). The associated death comorbidities were: acute respiratory infection (n = 44, 53%, OR 10.1, 95%CI 6.2 - 16, p - 10 p - 6.8, p Conclusion: Hypertension, heart failure and cardiomyopathies are the leading causes of mortality in the department of cardiology. Prevention and patient education in a low-income environment are essential elements to reduce this morbidity.
文摘This paper examines the life of Africans,using literature to discuss movements from Africa to other parts of the world as Diasporas.Such movements begin with slavery,to political asylum being sought and now self-initiated movements for trade,education,and labour for the facilitation of both information and industrial development.Relevant literatures are reviewed and analysed for their symbolic implications beyond the texts in order to establish the dialectic of facts and fiction.The relevant literatures include:Olaudah Equaino’s(1789)Equaino’s Travels,Joseph Conrad’s(1995)Heart of Darkness and Other Stories,and Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo’s(2008)Trafficked.This paper posits that prior to the 15th century,Africans were free in their natural milieu with either no threat to their lives or being alienated from their ancestral homes until the period of slavery.Sequel to the attainment of independence by most African countries with the hope for self-governance and development,corruption,civil wars,foreign debts,economic depression,famine,and poverty truncate the people’s hope for better living.African citizens therefore seek refuge abroad in countries with viable economy.With globalization,not only education and culture play significant roles,but also modern technology especially information and communication technology(ICT)play key roles in population drift in trade.There lies an absurdity that Africans now flee their once free homeland or countries to foreign lands which are perceived as“heaven on earth”because of their functional systems through effective governance.Thus,this paper concludes that new movements and new Africans in the Diaspora are self-initiated,imposed,and motivated irrespective of their being alienated from home and the risks involved since the end will justify the means.
文摘<div style="text-align:justify;"> <strong>Background</strong>: <span "="">Insulin resistance (IR) is the backbone of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The latter are the most common non-communicable diseases globally. Diet is an important determinant of CVDs. The link between diet and cardiovascular health could be explained by an association between diet pattern and IR. <b>Aims</b>: To investigate the association between salt and specific food consumption as well as different diet patterns (Mediterranean, westernized, and intermediate dietary patterns) with HOMAIR as a surrogate marker of IR, and fasting insulin in Black, sub-Saharan essential hypertensive</span> patient<span "="">s. <b>Methods</b>: The multicentric, cross-sectional analysis involved 77 Congolese Black hypertensive participants with no history of cardiovascular disease. Daily sodium chloride intake (NaCl g/24h) was estimated from 24-hour urine collection. Dietary behaviours were evaluated through a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMAIR) ≥ 2.5 was used as surrogate marker of IR. <b>Results</b>: A decrease in weekly consumption of fruits, vegetables and fish would significantly explain an increase of 29% (r = 0.292;p = 0.010), 24% (r = 0.242;p = 0.034) and 23% (r = 0.226;p = 0.048) of the value of HOMAIR respectively. In contrast, an increase in daily sodium chloride intake was associated with 28% (r = 0.283, p = 0.027) of the increase in HOMAIR. Also, a decrease in the average weekly consumption of fruit, vegetables and fish would significantly explain an increase of 25% (r = 0.247;p = 0.030), 30% (r = 0.302;p = 0.008) and 31% (r = 0.313;p = 0.006) of fasting insulin. In contrast, an increase in red meat consumption was associated with a 26% increase (r = 0.257, p = 0.024) in fasting insulin. In multivariable adjusted analysis 45% of variation in fasting insulin (R<sup>2</sup> = 0.452;overall p = 0.005) were explained by fruits, vegetables and fish consumption. 38% of variation in HOMAIR (R<sup>2</sup> = 0.379;overall p = 0.047) were explained by fruits and vegetable consumption and daily sodium chloride intake (NaCl g/24h). <b>Conclusions: </b>In hypertensive Black sub-Saharan Africans, Salt intake and westernized diet seem to promote insulin resistance whereas Mediterranean diet, fruits, vegetables and fish consumption enhance insulin sensitivity.</span> </div>
文摘NOVEMBER 2012 was a big political moment for China, marking a once-in-a-decade change of top leadership at the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China （CPC）. The changes will signal how China moves forward in its development as well as sparking debate on how this change could play a decisive role in influencing world affairs. ChinAfrica asked a cross section of media commentators, a publishing executive and an author to share their opinions on this important event：
文摘The authors conducted a retrospective study over a period of 6 months in a hypertensive population in order to determine the correlation between serum uric acid on glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and estimated serum potassium with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and obesity. This study enrolled 122 patients including 63 women (51.6%). The mean age was 55.9 ± 10.6 years (range 30 to 74 years). Obesity weight was found in 38 cases (31.1%) of which 20?were men (33.9%) and 18 women (28.6%). Abdominal obesity was found in 104 cases (85.2%). The average serum uric acid in patients with obesity weight was 63.3 ± 18.9 mg/L vs 62.4 ± 14.2 mg/L for no-obese patients (p?= 0.63). The average serum potassium in obese patients was 4.06 ± 0.42 mEq/L vs 4.02 ± 0.46 mEq/L for no-obese (p?= 0.65). The average GFR was 73.4 ± 21.4 ml/L in obese patients vs 66.6 ± 22.6 ml/min in no-obese (p?= 0.03). The LVH was found in 81 cases (66.4%). The LVH was found in 65 (62.5%) obese patients vs?16 (88%) non-obese patients (OR = 4.8, 95% 1.04?-?22?p?= 0.02). Only abdominal?obesity has been correlated with left ventricular hypertrophy after multivariate analysis. Emphasis must be focused on public health actions for effective and appropriate measures against obesity and hypertension, whose prevalence is increasing in our region.
文摘Introduction: Although the prevalence of endometriosis is to a certain extent documented in women living in high resource countries, its prevalence in black Africa is unknown. Since the current view is that endometriosis hardly affects indigenous Africans, we aim to provide a systematic review of prevalence of endometriosis among the indigenous Africans. Objective: To determine the prevalence and clinical presentation of endometriosis in the indigenous African women. Methodology: A systematic literature search was carried out for relevant articles on all citations on PubMed, based on the key words “Endometriosis” and “Africa”. An additional search was done on African journal Online. Outcome Measures: The primary outcome measure was the prevalence of endometriosis among indigenous Africans. Results: Out of 58 identified paper’s, only 4 were eligible for the systematic review. The prevalence of endometriosis was 4.3% (Osefo et al. [1] and 8.2% (Ekwempu et al. [2]) in the laparotomy and hysterectomy specimen respectively. In the paper by Fawole et al. [3], where endometriosis was diagnosed on the basis of laparoscopic visualization alone without histological confirmation, the prevalence was 48.1%. Somigliana et al. [4] estimated endometriosis to be 0.2% based on clinical history, clinical examination and imaging, without surgical procedure to confirm this estimation. Due to differences in study populations, methodology and diagnostic criteria, it was not possible to have pooled prevalence of endometriosis. Conclusion: Although existing evidence suggests that the prevalence of endometriosis in indigenous Africans is 0.2% - 48.1%, the study analyzed had limitations. Prospective multi-centered studies with laparoscopic diagnosis and histological confirmation of endometriosis are required to establish the prevalence of endometriosis among the general population in the indigenous Africans. Endometriosis in Africa needs to receive more research attention. This paper is expected to stimulate and sensitize the clinicians and researchers in Africa about this condition.
文摘Zhang Yong,the renowned Chinese filmmaker behind the acclaimed documentary Africans in Yiwu and other works exploring Sino-African relations,including Chinese Meet Africa and Bobby’s Factory,has made a stunning return with his latest masterpiece,Generation Z’s China-Africa Stories.The film premiered in August to much acclaim in the Chinese market,with a title that aptly reflects the focus of the narrative:generation Z.“Throughout my many visits to the African continent,what has impressed me the most is generation Z,”Zhang told ChinAfrica.
文摘As a Burundian doctoral student at Nanjing University,my personal journey is closely intertwined with China’s development in the new era and the deepening China-Africa partnership.Recently,my experiences have given me a deeper appreciation of the importance of people-to-people exchanges between China and Africa.
文摘This work examines media through a decolonial lens,centring Dagba$epistemologies to demonstrate how African languages,cultures,and traditions can transform how we think of knowledge.Focusing on film,television and radio in Ghanaian African languages,the book argues for a decolonial politics and praxis in co-creating knowledge with Indigenous communities.It critically links the struggles of global majority countries,showing how colonialism and imperialism obstruct liberatory futures,while foregrounding African language media as vital tools for cultural and epistemological decolonisation.Heralded as part of an unstoppable shift away from Eurocentrism,the book is distinguished by its radical feminist subaltern analysis and its deep grounding in lived experience from Northern Ghana.By excavating local agency within the digital mediascape,Mohammed o!ers a crucial historical and political-economic theorisation of media practice and consumption.
文摘Rwanda-China alliance launches youth innovation union,opening doors for African entrepreneurs On a warm afternoon in Kigali,students filled a conference hall at the University of Rwanda,sitting shoulder to shoulder with lecturers and visitors from China,unsure at first how significant the moment would be.Some came out of curiosity.Others came with hope.By the end of the ceremony,many felt they had witnessed more than the launch of a new academic centre-they had watched a door open.
文摘The Double Take column looks at a single topic from an African and Chinese perspective.This month,we discuss what makes a job meaningful.Look Beyond the Surface.What makes a job meaningful?The answer is far from universal.For some,it’s the stability of a pay cheque and a clear path for career growth.
文摘This scoping review aimed to explore the nature and structure of Student Counselling and Development Units(SCDUs)in Africa towards a better understanding of the role they play in African Higher Education Institutions(HEIs).A comprehensive literature search of ten years(2015-2025)on five electronic databases was conducted.Titles and abstracts were screened,and full articles examined,resulting in 23 studies meeting the inclusion criteria.Using thematic analysis,five main overarching themes were identified:(i)the scope and focus of services in SCDUs,(ii)multidisciplinary teams,(iii)approaches to service provision,(iv)challenges in providing effective support,and(v)adaptability of SCDUs.These themes highlighted that SCDUs offer a multidimensional range of support services and adopt systems-based frameworks.Moreover,they face significant challenges,including limited resources,poor service utilization,and the need for culturally sensitive practices.Conversely,a major strength is their adaptability of implementing online and blended service delivery models.
文摘Editor's Note In his keynote address at the opening ceremony of the Global Leaders'Meeting on Women,held in Beijing on October 13,2025,Chinese President Xi Jinping announced a series of measures China will take,in the next five years,to further support the global cause of women.One of the measures is:China will launch 1,000"small and beautiful"livelihood programs with Chinese assistance that take women and girls as priority beneficiaries.
文摘Discussions on Chinese modernization are offering African countries both conceptual inspiration and practical references as they explore their own sustainable development paths.
基金funded by the projects of Tianjin North China Geological Exploration Bureau (HK2023–B01,HK2022–B08)China Geological Survey (DD20230576,DD20201152)。
文摘1.Objective Nigeria lies between the West African Craton and the Congo Craton,south of the Tuareg Shield(Ogunmola JK et al.,2015).The Nasarawa pegmatite field mainly comprises of the Precambrian Basement Complex(including Archean-Proterozoic migmatite,gneiss,schists and Pan-African “Older Granites”),Mesozoic alkaline ring complexes(“Younger Granites”) and sedimentary basins(Yang QD et al.,2023;Fig.1a).“Older Granites” are part of the Pan-African mobile belt;“Younger Granites” has significant peralkaline characteristics.“Younger Granites” has a wide distribution in the north-central region of Nigeria,including areas such as Kano,Jos-Bauchi,Mada,and Nasarawa,and the emplacement age gradually decreases from north to south from 213 Ma(Dutse complex) to 141 Ma(Afu complex)(Amuda AK et al.,2021).
基金approved by Institutional Review Board of Faculty of Medicine in Assiut University,No.04-2024-300470.
文摘BACKGROUND In an era leaning toward a personalized alignment of total knee arthroplasty,coronal plane alignment of the knee(CPAK)phenotypes for each population are studied;furthermore,other possible variables affecting the alignment,such as ankle joint alignment,should be considered.AIM To determine CPAK distribution in the North African(Egyptian)population with knee osteoarthritis and to assess ankle joint line orientation(AJLO)adaptations across different CPAK types.METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted on patients with primary knee osteoarthritis and normal ankle joints.Radiographic parameters included the mechanical lateral distal femoral angle,medial proximal tibial angle,and the derived calculations of joint line obliquity(JLO)and arithmetic hip-knee-ankle angle(aHKA).The tibial plafond horizontal angle(TPHA)was used for AJLO assessment,where 0°is neutral(type N),<0°is varus(type A),and>0°is valgus(type B).The nine CPAK types were further divided into 27 subtypes after incorporating the three AJLO types.RESULTS A total of 527 patients(1054 knees)were included for CPAK classification,and 435 patients(870 knees and ankles)for AJLO assessment.The mean age was 57.2±7.8 years,with 79.5%females.Most knees(76.4%)demonstrated varus alignment(mean aHKA was-5.51°±4.84°)and apex distal JLO(55.3%)(mean JLO was 176.43°±4.53°).CPAK types I(44.3%),IV(28.6%),and II(10%)were the most common.Regarding AJLO,70.2%of ankles exhibited varus orientation(mean TPHA was-5.21°±6.45°).The most frequent combined subtypes were CPAK type I-A(33.7%),IV-A(21.5%),and I-N(6.9%).A significant positive correlation was found between the TPHA and aHKA(r=0.40,P<0.001).CONCLUSION In this North African cohort,varus knee alignment with apex distal JLO and varus AJLO predominated.CPAK types I,IV,and II were the most common types,while subtypes I-A,IV-A,and I-N were commonly occurring after incorporating AJLO types;furthermore,the AJLO was significantly correlated to aHKA.
