· 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
African Aviation continues to fall short of serving the demands of the fast-growing African population. For major air transport in and out of the African continent, African travellers rely mainly on non-African Airlin...African Aviation continues to fall short of serving the demands of the fast-growing African population. For major air transport in and out of the African continent, African travellers rely mainly on non-African Airlines. There is, however, one successful airline on the continent at the writing of this paper: Ethiopian Airlines and the Ethiopian Aviation Group. Why are no further successful airlines possible on a continent of 1.4 billion people (25% of the world’s population) and only a 2%-share of global air transport? At the introduction of SAATM, which is anticipated as the start of the domestic African aviation boom, most African countries seem unprepared to build a success story like Ethiopia. Transportation infrastructure in sub-Saharan Africa does not start with roads and rail but with runways and airlines. This research investigates the basic requirements needed to equip Africa with a competitive aviation industry that would contribute some 5% to the continent’s GDP and create hundreds of thousands of workplaces. Interviews with African SAATM leaders signal a slowdown in the effort to succeed. The research is also concerned about the lack of inclusion in the implementation of a NetZero CO2 emission scheme in Africa.展开更多
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the African Union(AU)Agenda 2063,Africa’s blueprint and master plan for transforming the continent into a global powerhouse of the future.The adoption of the am...This year marks the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the African Union(AU)Agenda 2063,Africa’s blueprint and master plan for transforming the continent into a global powerhouse of the future.The adoption of the ambitious blueprint is a key event that will steer pan-African development onto the right path,and put renewed focus on the pan-African vision of building an integrated,prosperous and peaceful Africa within a 50-year period from 2013 to 2063.展开更多
The signing of the African Continental Free Trade Area(AfCFTA)in Kigali,Rwanda,on 21 March 2018 spurred a wave of optimism in street markets and corporate boardrooms alike.The 44 countries joining this single market p...The signing of the African Continental Free Trade Area(AfCFTA)in Kigali,Rwanda,on 21 March 2018 spurred a wave of optimism in street markets and corporate boardrooms alike.The 44 countries joining this single market pledged to remove tariffs on 90 percent of goods,knitting economies together in an unprecedented fashion.展开更多
Although African swine fever(ASF) has been prevalent for more than a century, it remains the number one swine disease that seriously endangers the global pig industry, and there is no effective means of prevention and...Although African swine fever(ASF) has been prevalent for more than a century, it remains the number one swine disease that seriously endangers the global pig industry, and there is no effective means of prevention and treatment(Wang et al. 2023). Due to its enormous economic and social impact, it is listed as a notifiable animal disease by the World Organization for Animal Health(Costard et al. 2013). Although ASF has been present in Sub-Saharan Africa since its first discovery in Kenya.展开更多
African swine fever(ASF),caused by the African swine fever virus(ASFV),has brought enormous economic loss and represents a major threat to the global pig industry(Vergne et al.2017).ASFVs are divided into 24 genotypes...African swine fever(ASF),caused by the African swine fever virus(ASFV),has brought enormous economic loss and represents a major threat to the global pig industry(Vergne et al.2017).ASFVs are divided into 24 genotypes based on their B646L gene,with only genotypes Ⅰ and Ⅱ circulating globally(Dixon et al.2019).展开更多
This study explores the epistemic imperative to decolonize African education systems by centering indigenous philosophies such as Ubuntu and introducing the Ubuntu Pedagogy as a pedagogical model.Ubuntu pedagogy trans...This study explores the epistemic imperative to decolonize African education systems by centering indigenous philosophies such as Ubuntu and introducing the Ubuntu Pedagogy as a pedagogical model.Ubuntu pedagogy transforms teacher-learner relationships,it provides a replicable model for relational learning,community partnerships,and reassert the dignity of indigenous epistemologies.The paper examines how language,knowledge production,and pedagogy can be restructured to reflect African epistemologies and educational sovereignty.This research also explores the relationship between mother tongue instruction and cognitive access to learning.Through a qualitative literature analysis of case studies and African scholarly discourse,this paper highlights the continued marginalization of indigenous knowledge systems and the need to embed culturally relevant teaching methodologies.The findings support the broader question of whether there exists an epistemological base for knowledge independence or production within African and Afro-Diasporic contexts,revealing culturally coherent frameworks of learning that resist colonial dominance and an exploration of reclaiming African indigenous knowledge systems for educational and cultural sovereignty.展开更多
As Africa marks a decade since the adoption of Agenda 2063,its bold and ambitious seven aspirations have positioned the continent as a strong,united,resilient,and influential global player and partner.Reaffirming its ...As Africa marks a decade since the adoption of Agenda 2063,its bold and ambitious seven aspirations have positioned the continent as a strong,united,resilient,and influential global player and partner.Reaffirming its Pan-Africanism and African renaissance plan,aspiration seven of Agenda 2063 underscores the importance of Africa’s unity and solidarity in the face of major challenges emanating from the changing nature of globalisation,climate change,and economic and political environment.展开更多
Walk the Earth By FEDERICO VERONESI Prestel This book is a powerful tribute to Africa’s last great elephants,o!ering an intimate look at these majestic animals in their wild habitats.Photographer Federico Veronesi,kn...Walk the Earth By FEDERICO VERONESI Prestel This book is a powerful tribute to Africa’s last great elephants,o!ering an intimate look at these majestic animals in their wild habitats.Photographer Federico Veronesi,known for his poetic wildlife portraits,captures both the grandeur and vulnerability of elephants with striking sensitivity.His full-spread images show tuskers roaming watering holes,lakebeds,and vast savannahs,often framed by glowing skies or distant mountains.In Amboseli,Liwonde,Mana Pools,and the Chyulu Hills,Veronesi waits patiently to record fleeting moments-a matriarch leading her herd,a lone bull beneath storm clouds,or a silhouette against the fading sun.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African Aviation continues to fall short of serving the demands of the fast-growing African population. For major air transport in and out of the African continent, African travellers rely mainly on non-African Airlines. There is, however, one successful airline on the continent at the writing of this paper: Ethiopian Airlines and the Ethiopian Aviation Group. Why are no further successful airlines possible on a continent of 1.4 billion people (25% of the world’s population) and only a 2%-share of global air transport? At the introduction of SAATM, which is anticipated as the start of the domestic African aviation boom, most African countries seem unprepared to build a success story like Ethiopia. Transportation infrastructure in sub-Saharan Africa does not start with roads and rail but with runways and airlines. This research investigates the basic requirements needed to equip Africa with a competitive aviation industry that would contribute some 5% to the continent’s GDP and create hundreds of thousands of workplaces. Interviews with African SAATM leaders signal a slowdown in the effort to succeed. The research is also concerned about the lack of inclusion in the implementation of a NetZero CO2 emission scheme in Africa.
文摘This year marks the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the African Union(AU)Agenda 2063,Africa’s blueprint and master plan for transforming the continent into a global powerhouse of the future.The adoption of the ambitious blueprint is a key event that will steer pan-African development onto the right path,and put renewed focus on the pan-African vision of building an integrated,prosperous and peaceful Africa within a 50-year period from 2013 to 2063.
文摘The signing of the African Continental Free Trade Area(AfCFTA)in Kigali,Rwanda,on 21 March 2018 spurred a wave of optimism in street markets and corporate boardrooms alike.The 44 countries joining this single market pledged to remove tariffs on 90 percent of goods,knitting economies together in an unprecedented fashion.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2021YFD1800100)the earmarked fund for China Agriculture Research System (CARS-35)。
文摘Although African swine fever(ASF) has been prevalent for more than a century, it remains the number one swine disease that seriously endangers the global pig industry, and there is no effective means of prevention and treatment(Wang et al. 2023). Due to its enormous economic and social impact, it is listed as a notifiable animal disease by the World Organization for Animal Health(Costard et al. 2013). Although ASF has been present in Sub-Saharan Africa since its first discovery in Kenya.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars of China(31925036 and 32025034)the Shandong Provincial Key R&D Program,China(2021LZGC001)+3 种基金the Biological Breeding-Major Projects,Institute of Zoology,Chinese Academy of Sciences and Institute of Animal Science,Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences(2023ZD04074 and 2023ZD0404604)the Special Project of Longhu Laboratory,China(LHLab_ZD20230012)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32230100,32330099 and 32201257)the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2020YFA0509503,2022YFF0710703,2021YFA0805902 and 2022XAGG0121,2022YFF1002803).
文摘African swine fever(ASF),caused by the African swine fever virus(ASFV),has brought enormous economic loss and represents a major threat to the global pig industry(Vergne et al.2017).ASFVs are divided into 24 genotypes based on their B646L gene,with only genotypes Ⅰ and Ⅱ circulating globally(Dixon et al.2019).
文摘This study explores the epistemic imperative to decolonize African education systems by centering indigenous philosophies such as Ubuntu and introducing the Ubuntu Pedagogy as a pedagogical model.Ubuntu pedagogy transforms teacher-learner relationships,it provides a replicable model for relational learning,community partnerships,and reassert the dignity of indigenous epistemologies.The paper examines how language,knowledge production,and pedagogy can be restructured to reflect African epistemologies and educational sovereignty.This research also explores the relationship between mother tongue instruction and cognitive access to learning.Through a qualitative literature analysis of case studies and African scholarly discourse,this paper highlights the continued marginalization of indigenous knowledge systems and the need to embed culturally relevant teaching methodologies.The findings support the broader question of whether there exists an epistemological base for knowledge independence or production within African and Afro-Diasporic contexts,revealing culturally coherent frameworks of learning that resist colonial dominance and an exploration of reclaiming African indigenous knowledge systems for educational and cultural sovereignty.
文摘As Africa marks a decade since the adoption of Agenda 2063,its bold and ambitious seven aspirations have positioned the continent as a strong,united,resilient,and influential global player and partner.Reaffirming its Pan-Africanism and African renaissance plan,aspiration seven of Agenda 2063 underscores the importance of Africa’s unity and solidarity in the face of major challenges emanating from the changing nature of globalisation,climate change,and economic and political environment.
文摘The Double Take column looks at a single topic from an African and Chinese perspective.This month,we explore our gains and losses from digitalisation.
文摘Walk the Earth By FEDERICO VERONESI Prestel This book is a powerful tribute to Africa’s last great elephants,o!ering an intimate look at these majestic animals in their wild habitats.Photographer Federico Veronesi,known for his poetic wildlife portraits,captures both the grandeur and vulnerability of elephants with striking sensitivity.His full-spread images show tuskers roaming watering holes,lakebeds,and vast savannahs,often framed by glowing skies or distant mountains.In Amboseli,Liwonde,Mana Pools,and the Chyulu Hills,Veronesi waits patiently to record fleeting moments-a matriarch leading her herd,a lone bull beneath storm clouds,or a silhouette against the fading sun.
