West Region Of Cameroon Research Articles

Formulation and Evaluation of Complementary Foods for Children from Six to Twenty-four Months Prepared from Potential Locally Available Foodstuffs in Tubah Sub Division of Cameroon

The present research work aimed at formulating complementary foods (weaning foods) base on the protein content of the locally used staple foods by the families in Tubah Subdivision of the North- West Region of Cameroon as well as analysing their nutritional content and sensory properties. A face to face interview with the help of a pre-prepared questionnaire was used to survey the locally used foodstuffs in Tubah Subdivision. The proximate composition of the various foodstuffs and the formula were carried out by the AOAC methods. The hedonic point methods were used for the sensory evaluation of the final products. Maize, Rice, Soyabeans and Irish potatoes were the main food ingredient used in the preparation of children’s food. Based on this main ingredients and their protein content, three complementary foods were formulated (F1, F2, F3). The three formulas had more nutritional properties as compared to a control (Nestle cerelac). The sensory qualities of the three formulas were above three (03) on the five (5) point hedonic scale. Therefore, the foodstuffs used in the Tubah Subdivision are good ingredient for the formulation of a good, nutritious complementary food with good qualities.

Effects of Intermittent Preventive Treatment (IPT) of Malaria on the Birth Weight of Babies at Delivery in Dschang, West Region of Cameroon

Malaria is an important public health concern among pregnant women, approximately 32 million of them are at risk annually. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), malaria represents annually more than 10.000 maternal deaths and 200.000 neonatal deaths too. Intermittent Preventive Treatment (IPT) is used to reduce disease in pregnancy and their effects on the newborn. Today the WHO recommends that at least three doses of IPT should be taken by pregnant women during Antenatal Care Visit (ANC), this should be taken every month from the sixteenth week of pregnancy till parturition.

Beliefs and attitudes of traditional healers regarding epilepsy in Cameroon

IntroductionPeople living with epilepsy suffer from stigmatization, overprotection, or exclusion, thus, part of these population in developing countries uses traditional medicine as a first resort. MethodsWe prospectively conducted a study to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of traditional healers (THs) concerning epilepsy. Over a 9-month period, we included 208 THs practicing in the Littoral, Center and West regions of Cameroon who agreed to participate in the study. The THs were interviewed using a standardized questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Epi Info version 7.2 software. ResultsTwo-hundred and eight THs were recruited, with a mean age ± standard deviation (SD) of 49.9 ± 11.4 years, and 169 (81.2%) were male. Primary 77(37.0%) and secondary 67(32.2%) levels of education were the most represented, and most of the THs had more than 10 years of professional experience. One hundred and forty-one TH (68,7%) had poor knowledge about epilepsy. The independent factors associated with poor knowledge were female sex, Muslim religion, and marital status of cohabitation. One hundred and eighty-four THs (88.4%) had a good attitude and practices toward people with seizures. Factors independently associated with poor practices and attitude were rural residence, Muslim religion, and education level. ConclusionOur result confirmed that THs had poor knowledge about epilepsy but good attitudes and practices about epilepsy. THs were in favor of future collaboration with modern medicine in the care of people living with epilepsy.

Potential Impact of the Consumption of Fossil Energy Resources and the Activities of Industrial Quarries in the West Region of Cameroon

Potential Impact of the Consumption of Fossil Energy Resources and the Activities of Industrial Quarries in the West Region of Cameroon

Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Road Traffic Crash among Bus Drivers in the Southern Region of Cameroon: A Cross Sectional Study

Background: Annually, road traffic crash account for more than 1.2 million deaths and up to 50 million injuries worldwide, making it a leading cause of death globally. Given the low rate of vehicle ownership in developing countries, most of the population depends on buses for public transport. In Cameroon, buses are frequently involved in road traffic crashes. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of road traffic crashes and risk factors associated with road traffic crash among bus drivers in the South West Region-Cameroon. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving bus drivers with at least 3 years driving experience in passenger transportation. Multi-stage sampling was employed with random selection of six parks from three divisions in the South West Region of Cameroon. Proportionate sampling was done to select the bus drivers at the selected parks. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire. It was inputted and analyzed using EPI info version 3.5.4. Bivariate and multivariate analysis were used to identify risk factors associated road traffic crash history within 3 years prior to the survey with statistical significance set at p<0.05. Results: Out of the total 422 participants recruited, 98 bus drivers reported, giving an overall crash prevalence of 23.2%. Among the crashed group, 72 drivers (12.1%) were involved in more than one crash within the past 3 years (2014-2017). Multivariate analysis showed excessive speed [AOR 6.98 95% CI; 3.7-12.8], drinking alcohol during driving hours [AOR 10.15, 95% CI; 4.7-21.8], phone distraction (AOR=6.48, 95% CI; 3.8-10.8], passenger distraction [AOR 8.77, 95% CI; 4.6-16.2], violating road traffic rules [AOR=2.13, 95% CI; 1.2-3.5] and fatigue [AOR 0.17, 95 & CI; 0.05-.053] as factors that are significantly associated with road traffic crash among bus drivers within the past 3 years (2014-2017). Conclusion: Almost a quarter (23.2%) of bus drivers have a history of road traffic crash within the past 3 years. Many factors have been found to be associated with road traffic crash occurrence among these drivers and these calls for urgent sensitization campaigns, amelioration of road conditions and proper law enforcement on road safety issues.

Reduction of Microbial Contamination of Chechin nchabe (Cooked Fermented Cassava) Produced in Noun (West Cameroon) by a Second Fermentation

The Chechim nchabe is a traditional food widely consumed in Foumban, Foumbot, Koutaba, Massangam, Kouoptamo, Malentouen and Magba, 07 Departments of Noun (West region of Cameroon). It is obtained by fermenting cassava sticks cooked on the surface of river or spring water. Unfortunately, the bad hygienic quality of the environment during production promotes its contamination by pathogenic germs. The objective of this study is to carry out a second fermentation in order to reduce contamination of Chechim nchabe by pathogens germs during production. To achieve this objective, a survey on the socio-economic data, profile of the producers, production protocol and characteristics of product have been realized. After microbiological analysis of Chechim nchabe, a second fermentation was performed in the laboratory. From the results, it appears that all the producers are women, aged between 51 and 58 years and 87% of them not attending school. The water used for soaking the cassava revealed that 54% of women use river water and 46% spring water. The Chechim nchabe samples collected after traditional production in the 07 Departments of Noun, show average contamination of Enterobacteriaceae, moulds, staphylococci, Escherichia coli and lactic acid bacteria with respective concentrations of 4.7; 4.1; 4.4; 4.7 and 4.8 Log10ufc/mL. However, Chechim nchabe produced in urban areas such as Foumbot and Foumban recorded low contamination compared to that produced in rural areas like Massangam, which were heavily contaminated with Escherichia coli and Enterobacteriaceae. It was also noted that the Chechim nchabe produced in spring water is more contaminated than that produced in river water. The second fermentation for 10 hours of Chechim nchabe in a basin, after 12 hours of traditional fermentation, eliminated all of pathogenic germs from Chechim nchabe. This second fermentation of 10 hours could be a solution to guarantee the sanitary quality of Chechim nchabe before its consumption.

The Verb Phrase in Shupamem

This paper analyses the structure of the verb phrase in Shupamem; a Grassfields Eastern Bantu language spoken in the West region of Cameroon. More importantly, this study identifies the different components of the verb phrase in Shupamem in one hand and the order of these various elements in the other hand. I propose that Shupamem is a satellite-framed language; in this language motion events are described by attaching a particular particle to the verb. Most interestingly, it is shown that in Shupamem, the structure of the VP is not rigid. Hence, in this language, the various components of the VP that is the adjective, the adverb, the preposition and the noun can be freely combined and thus giving us twelve different structures of the VP.

Club foot management in the Bafoussam Baptist Healthcare center (BBHC), Cameroon: Treatment outcomes and the associated factors of relapse with the Ponseti’s technique

Background: Clubfoot is a birth defect found in about 1000 live births yearly in Cameroon and its treatment is often associated with relapses. The objective of this study was to evaluate treatment outcomes with the Ponseti’s technique and factors associated with relapses. Methods: We conducted a 5-year retrospective study on clubfoot children at the Bafoussam Baptist Healthcare Center (BBHC). Data on age, sex, birth setting, previous treatment, pirani scoring, number of casts and follow-ups, bracing and relapse were recorded in case report forms. Data were analyzed with SPSS: 25 software; bivariate analysis was performed to determine factors associated with relapse. Results: This study enrolled 78 clubfoot children with median age, 12 months (IQR1,24), 44 (56.4%) had undergone previous treatment elsewhere. The mean Pirani score before treatment was 4.9 [±SD: 0.9] for the left foot (LF), and 4.9 [±SD: 1] for the right (RF). The average number of casts performed was 6.5 [±SD: 1.5]. Tenotomy of the Achilles tendon was performed in 54 (69.2%) children. The mean final Pirani score was 0.9 [±SD: 0.5] for the LF and 0.8 [±SD: 0.6] for the RF. Only 5 (6.4%) cases did not wear Iowa braces and loss of sight rate was 1.3% (1/78). The relapse rate was 9.1% (7 /77). Treatment requiring >8 casts was associated with relapse (aOR: 10.35; CI [1.05-101.55]; P=0.04). Conclusion: The Ponseti’s technique is effective in the treatment of CTEV in the West region of Cameroon. Treatment requiring more than 8 cats is a risk factor for relapse.

Investigation on the Drying of Dioscorea Schimperiana in the West Region of Cameroon

The drying method and types of agricultural dryers used by farmers in rural West Cameroon were surveyed. These are direct solar drying (predominant). Different types of dryers are associated with each of these drying methods. These are the open-air bamboo mat dryer and the collar dryer. An analysis of the actual drying needs in rural areas and an evaluation of the means available to meet them are conducted based on a survey of farmers in rural areas. The conservation of Dioscorea Schimperiana is very difficult because of the unfavorable climatic conditions during production. The local unit of measure is the basket, which weighs between 5 and 25 kilograms. The purchase price of Dioscorea Schimperiana from the producer is higher in the rainy season. The drying time varies between 1 to 2 weeks for the bamboo dryer and 3 to 4 weeks for the necklace dryer. Laboratory determination of the dry-base moisture content of the post-drying Dioscorea Schimperiana samples collected during the surveys shows that it varies from 12.1 to 19.04 % instead of 11 % which is the recommended moisture content. The range of moisture content found shows insufficient drying.

Potable Water Quality and Health Nexus in Bafut Sub Division North West Region-Cameroon

Potable Water Quality and Health Nexus in Bafut Sub Division North West Region-Cameroon

Morphocultural and aggressiveness variability of Colletotrichum kahawae isolates from different altitudes of the Western highlight zone of Cameroon

Coffee berry disease (CBD) caused by Colletotrichum kahawae, is the main disease that affects arabica coffee production in Africa. A study was carried out in the West Region of Cameroon from June to September 2019 and 2020. Isolates of C. kahawae were isolated from infected green coffee berry sampled at three different altitudes, which include high, medium and low altitudes. Accordingly, seven representative C. kahawae isolates were isolated and identified from infected green coffee berry sampled from three altitudes. Colletotrichum kahawae isolates were characterized for colony colour, mycelia radial growth rate and appearance in case of cultural character, while conidia shape, size and sporulation rate in case of morphological characteristic. To characterize the aggressiveness of C. kahawae isolates, the disease severity and the days of first symptoms appearance were assessed on inoculated green coffee berry. There were significant variation among isolates related their Morphocultural and aggressiveness features. All C. kahawae isolates had cottony mycelia appearance, with four types of colony colours identified as grey, whitish, greyish and pinkish. Mycelia radial growth rate of isolates varied significantly in range from 4.32 to 7.11 mm/day. Isolates from high and medium altitude were dominated by cylindrical conidia shapes with round at both ends, followed by cylindrical acute at one and round at the other ends. While, fusiform and reniform conidia shapes were produced by isolate from low altitude. Conidia size and sporulation rate of C. kahawae isolates also differs significantly and increased with altitude. Conidia size ranged from 3.82 to 13.46 μm in length and from 1.13 to 1.69 μm in width, while sporulation rate varied from 169.06 × 104 to 438.36 × 104 conidia/ml. These parameters were strongly and positively correlated with the aggressiveness test that revealed significant variation among isolates according to their altitude origin. Isolates from high altitude were more aggressive, followed by isolates from medium altitude; whereas isolates from low altitude were less aggressive. In all, this study highlights some variations in morphocultural and aggressiveness characteristics of C. kahawae isolates with respect to altitude.

Contribution of the mix renewable energy potentials in delivering parts of the electric energy needs in the west region of Cameroon

The constant supply of energy remains a great challenge in many developing countries and Cameroon is no exception. It is necessary to explore other renewable energy sources that have environmental and energy potential. However, there is limited and sparse literature on the potential of renewable energy sources in Cameroon and its western part in particular. This limits investment and policy design that can lead to the exploitation of renewable energy sources. There is thus a need for more research on renewable energy development to better inform energy policies. This paper investigates the potential and extent to which available renewable energy sources can contribute to the electric power sector in the western part of Cameroon is on estimating the potential of hydroelectric, solar and biomass energy resources. A cross-sectional method, observations and literature review were used to determine the water flow and electrical energy potential of different biomass. The results show that the electrical potential of hydroelectricity is 11.68 GWh/year, for solar represents 44.12 GWh/year, and the energy of biomass 8586.42 GWh/year, 135.53 GWh/year and 13.05 GWh/year for agricultural, animal and forestry residues; they have a rate of access to electricity of 6.64%, 25.08%, 4881.46%, 77.05%, and 7.42% respectively. This potential can satisfy needs of 18 526 464 households. According to results obtained and in order to provide a sustainable solution by improving access to electricity, living standards and socio-economic conditions of populations; two hybrid cogeneration thermal-solar power plants can be installed at the limits of the decentralized areas of Bamboutos-Mifi-Menoua and Koung Khi, which are nearby areas with high population density. Hydroelectric plants can be installed to electrify villages that are far from the national network.

Chronic diseases and mortality among hospitalised COVID-19 patients at Bafoussam Regional Hospital in the West region of Cameroon.

Reducing mortality among COVID-19 cases is a major challenge for most health systems worldwide. Estimating the risk of preexisting comorbidities on COVID-19 mortality may promote the importance of targeting at-risk populations to improve survival through primary and secondary prevention. This study was conducted to explore the contribution of exposure to some chronic diseases on the mortality of COVID-19. This was a case control study. The data were collected from the records of all patients hospitalised at Bafoussam Regional Hospital (BRH) from March 2020 to December 2021. A grid was used to extract data on patient history, case management and outcome of hospitalised patients. We estimated the frequency of each common chronic disease and assessed the association between suffering from all and each chronic disease (Diabetes or/and Hypertension, immunodeficiency condition, obesity, tuberculosis, chronic kidney disease) and fatal outcome of hospitalised patients by estimating crude and adjusted odd ratios and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) using time to symptom onset and hospital admission up to three days, age range 65 years and above, health professional worker and married status as confounder's factors. Of 645 included patients, 120(20.23%) deaths were recorded. Among these 645 patients, 262(40.62%) were males, 128(19.84%) aged 65 years and above. The mean length of stay was 11.07. On admission, 204 (31.62%) patients presented at least one chronic disease. The most common chronic disease were hypertension (HBP) 73(11.32%), followed by diabetes + HBP 62 (9.61%), by diabetes 55(8.53%) and Immunodeficiency condition 14(2.17%). Diabetes and Diabetes + HBP were associated with a higher risk of death respectively aOR = 2.71[95%CI = 1.19-6.18] and aOR = 2.07[95% CI = 1.01-4.23] but HBP did not significantly increased the risk of death. These results suggest that health authorities should prioritize these specific group to adopt primary and secondary preventive interventions against SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Dietary Practices and Nutrient Intake of Internally Displaced School Children in the West Region of Cameroon.

Poor diets and subsequent malnutrition are among the greatest current societal challenges triggering immense health and economic burden especially among populations that are forcibly displaced. It is indispensable to establish the dietary patterns of any population, especially in displaced populations, in order to develop and effectively implement interventions for the specific population. A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess dietary practices and nutrient adequacy of 307 internally displaced pupils aged between 5 and 15 years in the West Region of Cameroon. Pretested, structured interviewer questionnaires were used to collect data on the demographic and socioeconomic status of the children and their caregivers, the nutrition knowledge of caregivers, the dietary practices of the children, dietary diversity, their food sources, and coping strategies that were used during food shortage. SPSS version 23 was used to analyze the data. The dietary diversity of the children was assessed at the individual level using FAO method of assessing women's dietary diversity score. Out of the total 307 children, 148 (48.2%) were boys and 159 (51.8%) were girls. During food shortages, most of the mothers/caregivers (72%) used borrowing as the main auxiliary food source and others (28%) used food as payment for work or begging. A majority of the children (56%) usually ate only two times in a day. Most of the children were of unacceptable or low dietary diversity (66.2%). The most frequently consumed food group was cereals as it was eaten by 21% of the children, seven or more times per week; meanwhile, the least was animal products with only 3% of the children consuming it seven or more times weekly. Their diets were energy-deficient (1640.5 ± 1.64 kcal) and unbalanced with daily inadequate protein (18.45 ± 1.13 g), vitamin A (470.27 ± 1.38 μg), and iron (4.02 ± 0.08 mg) intake. The nutrition knowledge of the mothers/caregivers was poor as less than half (41%) of them had an acceptable nutrition knowledge. The high prevalence of poor dietary patterns and poor nutrition knowledge imposes the necessity of developing nutritional interventions and education strategies aimed at promoting healthy eating habits in the children.

Survival Rate and Reproductive Traits of Clarias jaensis Broodstock Reared at Graded Levels of Water Temperature in West Region of Cameroon

Survival Rate and Reproductive Traits of Clarias jaensis Broodstock Reared at Graded Levels of Water Temperature in West Region of Cameroon

Phenotypic Characterization and Prevalence of Carbapenemase-Producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates in Six Health Facilities in Cameroon

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a Gram-negative opportunistic pathogen with a great ability to adapt to stress, in particular, to the selective pressure of antibiotics in the hospital environment. This pathogen constitutes a real public health concern, especially in low- and middle-income countries. In Cameroon, little is known about the drug resistance patterns of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This study sought to determine the prevalence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains producing carbapenemases in six health facilities in the center, littoral, and west regions of Cameroon. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted over a four-month period from July to October 2021. All Pseudomonas aeruginosa or suspected strains isolated from pathological products at the bacteriology laboratory of different health facilities were systematically collected and underwent a re-identification. After growing on cetrimide agar and successfully subculturing on nutrient agar, an oxidase test was performed on pure colonies, followed by biochemical identification (API 20NE system) of the bacterial suspension (0.5McFarland standard). Drug susceptibility testing for the detection of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases of overproduced inducible cephalosporinases and carbapenemases was performed according to adequate standard procedures. Of the 468 isolates collected, 347 (74.14%) were confirmed Pseudomonas aeruginosa after re-identification, of which 34.49% (120/347) produced inducible cephalosporinases (CAZR and C/TS) and 32.26% (112/347) extended-spectrum beta-lactamases. The prevalence of carbapenemase-producing P. aeruginosa (IMPR and C/TR) was 25.07% (87/347), with 17.24% (15/87) class A and 82.76% (72/87) class B. A high rate of resistance to penicillin (piperacillin: 70.58% and ticarcillin: 60.24%) was observed. We also noted a 34.49% resistance to ceftazidime, 30.22% to imipenem against 37.02% to meropenem, and 25.1% to ceftolozane/tazobactam (C/T). These strains also exhibited 79.57% resistance to quinolones and about 26% to aminoglycoside families. Multivariate analysis revealed that carbapenemase-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa-related infections were significantly associated with hospitalization (p = 0.04), maternity (p = 0.03), surgery (p = 0.04), and intensive care wards (p = 0.04). This study highlighted a high burden of resistant strains of carbapenemase-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Surveillance should be intensified to prevent the dissemination and spread of these strains.

Molecular characterization of antimicrobial resistance related genes in E. coli, Salmonella and Klebsiella isolates from broilers in the West Region of Cameroon.

Antibiotic resistance has become an enduring threat to human health. This has prompted extensive research to identify the determinants responsible in a bid to fight the spread of resistance and also develop new antibiotics. However, routine procedures focus on identifying genetic determinants of resistance only on phenotypically resistant isolates. We aimed to characterise plasmid mediated resistance determinants in key Enterobacteriaceae isolates with differential phenotypic susceptibility profiles and evaluated the contribution of resistance genes on phenotypic expression of susceptibility. The study was carried out on 200 Enterobacteriaceae isolates belonging to the genera E. coli, Salmonella, and Klebsiella; 100 resistant and 100 susceptible to quinolones, aminoglycosides, and ESBL-producing as determined by disk diffusion. Reduced susceptibility in susceptible isolates was determined as an increased MIC by broth microdilution. Plasmid-borne resistance genes were sought in all isolates by endpoint PCR. We performed correlations tests to determine the relationship between the occurrence of resistance genes and increased MIC in susceptible isolates. We then used the notion of penetrance to show adequacy between resistance gene carriage and phenotypic resistance as well as diagnostic odds ratio to evaluate how predictable phenotypic susceptibility profile could determine the presence of resistant genes in the isolates. Reduced susceptibility was detected in 30% (9/30) ESBL negative, 50% (20/40) quinolone-susceptible and 53.33% (16/30) aminoglycoside-susceptible isolates. Plasmid-borne resistance genes were detected in 50% (15/30) of ESBL negative, 65% (26/40) quinolone susceptible and 66.67% (20/30) aminoglycoside susceptible isolates. Reduced susceptibility increased the risk of susceptible isolates carrying resistance genes (ORs 4.125, 8.36, and 8.89 respectively for ESBL, quinolone, and aminoglycoside resistance genes). Resistance gene carriage correlated significantly to reduced susceptibility for quinolone and aminoglycoside resistance genes (0.002 and 0.015 at CI95). Gene carriage correlated with phenotypic resistance at an estimated 64.28% for ESBL, 56.90% for quinolone, and 58.33% for aminoglycoside resistance genes. A high carriage of plasmid-mediated genes for ESBL, quinolone, and aminoglycoside resistance was found among the Enterobacteriaceae tested. However, gene carriage was not always correlated with phenotypic expression. This allows us to suggest that assessing genetic determinants of resistance should not be based on AST profile only. Further studies, including assessing the role of chromosomal determinants will shed light on other factors that undermine antimicrobial susceptibility locally.

Comparing the Effects of Indigenous, Effective Microorganisms and NPK Fertilizers on Soil Fertility and Productivity of Groundnut in the Western Region of Cameroon

Groundnut (<i>Arachis hypogaea</i>) is one of the main legumes consumed because of its nutritional importance to humans and animals, and is currently produced in Cameroon below the national demand. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of indigenous microorganism fertilizers (IMO), effective fertilizers (EM) and NPK on soil fertility and productivity of <i>Arachis hypogaea</i>. The experiment was conducted in the West region of Cameroon (Baboutcha-Fongam). It was based on a field trial with an experimental design consisting of completely randomized blocks with three treatments: Indigenous Microorganisms (IMO), Effective Microorganisms (EM) and NPK. The blocks were separated into plots, and each of them was enriched with different doses of EM, IMO and NPK (0, 10, 20, 40 g) and (3.2 g) with three replications each. Results showed that EM, IMO and NPK increased soil fertility. Overall, the application of EM, IMO and NPK significantly (p-value < 0.05) increased the growth parameters compared to the control. The best pod and seed yields were obtained at the 10 g (2.3 ± 0.2 and 2.05 ± 0.3 t/ha), 20 g (1.9 ± 0.3 and 1.99 ± 0.14 t/ha) and 3.2 g (2.3 ± 1 and 2.03 ± 0.24 t/ha) doses of IMO, EM and NPK respectively. These yields were higher or similar in plots amended with IMO and EM fertilizers than in plots amended with NPK. IMO and EM fertilizers worked at lower doses and can be considered as valuable fertilizers to serve as a suitable alternative to chemical fertilizers.

Chronic Gastric Ulcer Healing Actions of the Aqueous Extracts of Staple Plant Foods of the North-West, Adamawa, and West Regions of Cameroon.

This study is aimed at establishing phenolic compound profile and assessing the possible antiulcer activities of aqueous extracts of some staple plant foods from the West and North-West regions of Cameroon against chronic gastric ulcer models in rats. Phenolic constituents of extracts were evaluated using HPLC-DAD. Aqueous extracts of Corchorus olitorius, Solanum nigrum, Vigna unguiculata, Triumfetta pentandra, "nkui" spices, and "yellow soup" spices were tested at two doses (200 and 400 mg/kg). After treatments, animals were sacrificed, healing percentage and antioxidant status (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase) were evaluated, and histological examination of gastric mucosa was realized. HPLC-DAD revealed that p-hydroxybenzoic and protocatechuic acids were the phenolic compound present in all extracts. Oral administration of extracts (200 and 400 mg/kg) significantly reduced ulcer surface value and significantly increased mucus production compared to the control groups (p < 0.05). Histological study supported the observed healing activity of different extracts characterized by a reduced inflammatory response. Moreover, administration of aqueous extracts increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes. This study revealed that aqueous extracts of Solanum nigrum, Corchorus olitorius, Vigna unguiculata, Triumfetta pentandra, "yellow soup" spices, and "nkui" spices possess healing antiulcer effects against models of gastric ulcers. The antiulcer mechanisms involved may include increase of gastric mucus production and improvement of the antioxidant activity of gastric tissue. These activities may be due to the phenolic compounds identified in the extracts, especially p-hydroxybenzoic and protocatechuic acids present in all extracts and with known antioxidant, cytoprotective, and healing properties. However, all the diets may promote the healing process of chronic ulcers caused by excessive alcohol consumption/stress.

On affixation in Shupamem

This paper describes the morphological process of affixation in Shupamem, an SVO and noun class systemic Grassfield Bantu language spoken in the West Region of Cameroon. Basically, affixation is a morphological process whereby affixes (prefix, infix or suffix) are attached to a word’s stem to form a new word or encode some grammatical properties. Based on a sample of corpus collected from native speakers of this language, the study identified two basic types of affixes which correspond to the two main types of bound morphemes: inflectional and derivational affixes. The formers occur most often with verbs to encode the infinitive mood (|jìn-|), tenses (|pé-|, |pí-|, |kàpí-|, etc.), and the iterative verbal aspect (|-kět|, |-ʃə̌|, and |-tə|). Concretely, jìndǎp “hit” is made up of the verbal stem |-lǎp-| to which the infinitive prefix |jìn-| is attached. Similarly, jìndǎpʃə̌ “hit repeatedly” is made up of the verbal stem |-lǎp-| to which the prefix |jìn-| (infinitive) and the suffix |-ʃə̌| (iterative aspect) are attached. On the other hand, Shupamem displays some derivational affixes used to create new words in the language. In effect, some nouns can be derived from other nouns, some qualifying adjectives from nouns, as well as some manner adverbs from qualifying adjectives using derivational affixes. This can be illustrated with the noun pín “dance” from which ŋgà:pín “dancer” is derived, and the adjective pý:két “bad” from which the adverb pýkérí “badly” is derived. In conclusion, this language provides some insightful data that contribute to the appraisal of affixation in Bantu language.