Western Region Of Cameroon Research Articles

In vitro and in vivo antimalarial activities of the ethanol extract of Erythrina sigmoidea stem bark used for the treatment of malaria in the Western Region of Cameroon

BackgroundMalaria is one of the leading causes of morbidity and/or mortality in tropical Africa. The spread and development of resistance to chemical antimalarial drugs and the relatively high cost of the latter are problems associated with malaria control and are reasons to promote the use of plants to meet healthcare needs to treat malaria. The aim of this study was to evaluate antiplasmodial activities of extracts of Erythrina sigmoidea (Mah quat), which is traditionally used for the treatment of malaria in the western region of Cameroon.Material and methodsThe ethanol extract of E. sigmoidea stem bark was obtained through the maceration process using 95% ethanol, while the aqueous extract was prepared by infusion. The in vitro antiplasmodial effect of extracts against P. falciparum chloroquine-sensitive (3D7) and chloroquine-resistant (Dd2) strains was determined using the Trager and Jensen method. On the other hand, the in vivo antimalarial activity of the extract was evaluated in mice infected with Plasmodium berghei strain NK65 using the Peters’ 4-day suppressive test and Ryley test (curative test). A total of 36 mice were used, subdivided into six groups of six mice each: one normal control, a negative control, a positive control, and three other groups for the tested product. Blood samples were collected on the 10th day of each test for hematological parameters.ResultsThe aqueous extract had an in vitro antiplasmodial activity against the chloroquine-sensitive strain with an IC50 of 29.51 ± 3.63 µg/mL and against the chloroquine-resistant strain with an IC50 of 35.23 ± 3.17 µg/mL. The highest in vitro antiplasmodial activity was observed with the ethanol extract against the chloroquine-sensitive strain with an IC50 of 6.44 ± 0.08 µg/mL and against the chloroquine-resistant strain with an IC50 of 7.53 ± 0.22 µg/mL. The ethanol extract demonstrated suppressive activity in vivo with reduction rates of 87.69%, 86.79%, and 81.08% at doses of 500 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg, and 125 mg/kg, respectively; and curative activity in vivo with reduction rates of 80%, 78.5%, and 77.5% at doses of 500 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg, and 125 mg/kg, respectively. The number of white blood cells in the negative control (44.55 ± 5.02 103/µL) was higher compared to the other groups. As for the red blood cells, we observed a massive destruction of the latter in the infected and untreated group (5.82 ± 1.50 106/µL) compared to the infected and ethanol extract-treated groups (8.74 ± 1.57 106/µL for 500 mg/kg, 7.54 ± 1.77 106/µL for 250 mg/kg, and 8.9 ± 1.50 106/µL for 125 mg/kg).ConclusionThis study provides scientific data on the use of E. sigmoidea by the local population for the treatment of malaria. It shows that E. sigmoidea has antiplasmodial activity, and we also see that there are differences between the parameters that we have in the treated groups and those of the untreated group. However, toxicity tests are necessary to assess its safety.

Advancements in mapping landslide susceptibility in Bafoussam and its surroundings area using multi-criteria decision analysis, statistical methods, and machine learning models

Landslides pose a significant threat to lives and socio-economic stability globally. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive landslide susceptibility mapping (LSM) in the western region of Cameroon, focusing on Bafoussam and its surroundings. The integration of multi-criteria decision analysis models (AHP), statistical methods (Information Value IV, Shannon Entropy SE, Frequency Ratio FR), and machine learning algorithms (Naïve Bayes and Logistic Regression) provided a robust assessment of landslide risk. Our analysis, based on 54 recorded landslides, carefully selected Landslide Conditioning Factors (LCF), and influential parameters such as lithology, slope, altitude, and precipitation, resulted in susceptibility maps categorizing the area into five risk zones. The Spatial distribution shows the centre and northwestern regions as high-risk areas. Model sensitivity differences underscore the need for tailored LSM selection. Validation using the Area Under Curve/Receiver Operating Characteristics (AUC/ROC) method indicates the LR and NB methods have the highest accuracy (82.7% and 84.1%, respectively). Comparative analysis of landslide events in Gouaché, Sichuan, Souk Ahras, and Kekem reveals correlations between heavy rainfall and geological conditions. The study supplies valuable insights for decision-makers in landslide-prone areas, emphasizing the importance of integrating multiple methodologies for comprehensive risk assessment and management.

Screening of West Cameroonian edible plant-based mucilage for the production of improved protein-polysaccharide conjugates

In developing countries, blending the powders of locally utilized edible plants for mucilage extraction can be a way to address the growing demand for more viscous and soluble cost-effective hydrocolloids. This study aimed to identify mucilaginous edible plants exploited in the western region of Cameroon in order to enhance the viscosity and water solubility of their mucilages. A semi-administered questionnaire facilitated a comprehensive ethno-nutritional survey. Powders (200 μm) from mucilaginous plants available were defatted, oven dried, and used to produce crude extracts in a water bath (50 °C, 1 h, 2 cycles), with distilled water (1:10, m/v), followed by triple filtration (60 μm, 25 °C) and double centrifugation (2900 g, 20 min). The apparent viscosity of these crude extracts was recorded (spindle 2#, 600 s−1, 60 rpm) at 25 °C, and compared to a 0.2% (m/v) xanthan gum solution (in distilled water). The best plant powders were blended (5 blends) for use under an alkaline condition (pH 10, 0.025 M) for optimal liquid mucilage production and its corresponding powder named hibisanua, derived by coagulating the liquid mucilage (4 °C, 96% ethyl alcohol), oven drying (45 °C), powdering, and sieving (200 μm). Some rheological parameters were determined. FTIR and SEM analysis were carried out with the mucilage hibisanua. Out of 300 surveyed participants, 120 (40%) from 17 ethnicities use the identified plants. Thirty species were found, spanning 27 genera and 19 botanical families. Hibiscus esculentus (okra) pods, Triumfetta annua (nkui) bark, and Corchorus olitorius (lalo) leaves are commonly used in traditional food processing. However, only okra (9.23 Pa s) and nkui (5.54 Pa s) liquid mucilage viscosities were similar to xanthan, making their defatted powders interesting. The validated plant powder mixture (F2) thus comprised 10% nkui and 90% okra (w/w). Their crude extract of concentration 1.51% (w/v) showed the highest dynamic viscosity (23.05 Pa s), not significantly different (p ≥ 0.05) from the control. The resulting dry mucilage with a yield of 215.8 mg/g F2 had the highest solubility (83.05%) with a specific viscosity of 11.519 Pa s upon a desirability of 0.73. All polysaccharides’ solutions exhibited pseudoplastic characteristics and shear-thinning behaviour. A concentrated solution (1.51%) of hibisanua had a rheologic index (0.742) and viscous relaxation time (69.25 s) comparable to xanthan gum. Its structural analysis revealed functional group and morphological changes, typical of highly physical gelling pectic mucilages. These findings support the formulated plant powder approach and the use of its mucilage in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Epidemiological Study of Road Traffic Crashes in the Western Region of Cameroon

Background: Traumatic injuries resulting from road traffic crashes are a major cause of death and disability worldwide, with a global burden that is on the rise. In Cameroon like the rest of sub-Saharan Africa, more and accurate data on road traffic crashes outcomes and therapeutic care are needed to improve treatment and prevention. Objective: This study aims to determine the epidemiological features of the road traffic crashes in the western region of Cameroon. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study which included all of individuals involved in road traffic crashes and admitted in health facilities located in and around the western road corridor the period from January 2019 to September 2023. International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) was used as diagnostic criteria. Demographic variables, injury circumstances, hospital variables such as length of stay, time of admission, anatomical parts of injury according to Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) classification were derived from records. Results: Of total 812 crashes reported within the period of study, the victimology rate was 87.1% with various diagnoses: limb trauma without bone lesion (15.9%), fractures of one or more limbs (09.9%), multiple trauma (20.0%). Conclusion: Road traffic crashes cause enormous death and disability in this area and more road traffic preventive programs should be enforcement in these areas to reduce incidences road traffic crashes.

Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of multidrug resistant and extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales isolated from clinical samples in the western region in Cameroon

BackgroundThe 2017 World Health Organization (WHO) report has listed extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-E) as critical pathogens for public health and requiring urgently new antibiotics. The aim of this study was to characterize phenotypically and genotypically ESBL-E isolated among clinical samples in Dschang, Cameroon.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted during a four-month periods from February to May 2022 in the two biggest hospitals of Dschang. Clinical samples were collected and cultured on Eosin Methylene Blue agar. Suspected growing colonies were biochemically identified using the Enterosystem Kit 18R. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) was done using the Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method and interpretated according to the CA-SFM recommendations. ESBL phenotypes were double screened using CHROMagar™ ESBL and double disk synergy test (DDST). The detection of resistance genes was performed using conventional and multiplex PCR methods. Results were analyzed with SPSS (version 21) and a p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsA total of 152 Enterobacterales were isolated among 597 clinical samples including urine, blood, cervico-vaginal, urethral swabs and wound samples. The overall prevalence of ESBL-Enterobacterales was 29.61% (45/152). The most represented ESBL species were Escherichia coli (n = 23; 51.11%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 8; 17.78%) and Citrobacter freundii (n = 6; 13.33%).ConclusionThis study reveals the high burden of ESBL-E among clinical samples in the regional hospital in Dschang with the most common species being E. coli and K. pneumoniae. It confirmed the high occurrence of blaCTX−M and blaTEM among ESBL-E. The study suggests that implementing antimicrobial stewardship program and real-time surveillance of antimicrobial resistance are needed in the Western region of Cameroon. Moreover, the implementation of infection prevention and control measures (IPC) is essential to curb the dissemination of these bacteria from community to hospital settings. Implementation of national action plan to fight against antimicrobial resistance at the local levels is urgently needed.

Oral Health of Rural Cameroonian Children: A Pilot Study in Bamendou.

Access to dental care in Cameroon is a public health issue, particularly for children living in rural areas. Given the lack of recent data, the investigation of children's oral health along with their oral hygiene behavior, needs in terms of care, and access to oral hygiene materials were investigated. This cross-sectional pilot study was conducted in Bamendou, Western Region of Cameroon. The study population included 265 children aged 3-18 years who completed a questionnaire about their oral hygiene practices. A clinical examination assessed dental caries, calculus, gingivitis, and oral hygiene. The Chi-squared test was used to identify potential factors influencing caries prevalence rates (significance threshold: p < 0.05). Among the 265 children (females: 41.5%, mean age 9.3 years), caries prevalence (ICDAS ≥ 2) was 78.5% and significantly increased with age: 62.2% (3-6 years), 80.9% (7-11 years) and 84.1% (12-18 years, p = 0.01). Virtually no children (95.1%) had ever visited a dentist. While only 23.4% of children brushed their teeth at least twice a day, 14% worryingly reported the use of products other than toothpaste (ash, soap, salt, or bicarbonate) and 13.6% no brushing product. The present study revealed a high prevalence of dental caries in this population and inadequate toothbrushing habits, which highlights the need for preventive oral health education and intervention to address these issues.

Screening of Trichoderma Isolates and Potential of Their Organic Extract to Control Phytophthora megakarya, the Causative Agent of Cocoa Black Pod Disease

The aim of this work was to isolate Trichoderma agents of cocoa trees and to select the best antagonists able to reduce cocoa black pod disease caused by Phytophthora megakarya. Sampling was carried out in the Western region of Cameroon, locality of Bafang. Trichoderma and P. megakarya isolates were made on PDA medium in a Petri dish. In vitro antagonist activity of Trichoderma was evaluated by dual culture and antibiosis tests, and the best isolates were selected. The production of hydrolytic enzymes by the best isolates was done in specific solid media. The antimicrobial effect of the crude organic extract extracted from the selected Trichoderma isolates was performed in vitro by poisoned method. Results showed that 12 Trichoderma spp were isolated. Based on the rating scale of Bell, 4 isolates were selected, namely IS4, IS7, IS9 and IS11. These isolates were found to produce non-volatile and volatiles compounds as well as hydrolytic enzymes (cellulase, amylase, lipase and protease); Their organic crude extract significantly inhibited the growth of mycelial of P. megakarya with IC7 as the best isolates. IS7 Trichoderma isolate significantly produced cellulase, amylase, lipase and protease and at 100μg/ml, its organic crude extract total inhibited the mycelial growth of P. megakarya. It could be suggested that, Trichoderma IS7 isolate should be further investigated as promising biocontrol agent to manage P. megakarya infection.

Growth promotion potential ofBacillusspp. isolates on two tomato (Solanum lycopersicumL.) varieties in the West region of Cameroon

AbstractInoculation of plants with plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) is an ecological approach to improve plants growth and yield. The objective of this study was to screen native PGPBs in tomato root rhizosphere and evaluate their performance in germination and growth of seedlings in the greenhouse in the western region of Cameroon. Isolates were selected based on their ability to solubilize phosphate, produce indole-3-acetic acid, and improve seed germination and seedling growth under laboratory conditions. Following this screening, eight bacteria were selected (S1, S4, S13, S14, S16, B9, B11, and B15) to assess their performance on seedling growth in greenhouse. Seeds of two tomato varieties (one improved, Raja, and the local one, Foolewouh) were used in this study. The experiment was performed in sterilized and non-sterilized soils. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA sequence showed that these bacteria belong to the genusBacillus, includingB. thuringiensis,B. cereus,B. pacificus, andB. aerius. The bacterial performance depended on the variety and conditions of soil treatment. Isolates improved seed germination (up to 31.93%) and seeding strength (up to 78.59%)in vitro. In greenhouse, inoculation with PGPB significantly increased stem height, root length, and weight of fresh and dry stems and roots. Raja variety was more sensitive to bacteria and performed better than the Foolewouh variety. Bacterial isolates on sterilized soil allowed to better seedling growth compared to non-sterilized soil. The study showed thatB. thuringiensis(strain B9),B. pacificus(strain B11), andBacillussp. (strain B15) can be used as inoculant formulations to improve seedling growth of tomato plant.

Intestinal Carriage of Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing Salmonella enterica from Chickens and Poultry Farmers in Dschang, in the Western Region of Cameroon

Salmonella enterica is the principal causative agent of salmonellosis, a threat to human health. Because of its high antimicrobial resistance potential, Salmonella enterica has become worrisome, mostly in developing countries where hygiene and antimicrobial usage are defective. This study aimed to determine the epidemiology of the intestinal carriage of Extended Spectrum β-Lactamase producing Salmonella enterica from chickens and poultry farmers in Dschang, a town in the western region of Cameroon. A total of 416 chickens and 72 farmers were sampled between May and October 2020; and Salmonella enterica were isolated and subjected to extended spectrum β-lactamase screening. Logistic regression was used to test for statistical associations using a p-value of ≤0.05. Results from this study revealed that the prevalence of the intestinal carriage of Salmonella enterica for chickens and farmers were 55.77% [51.00; 60.54] and 22.22% [12.62; 31.82], respectively. Meanwhile, the intestinal carriage of Extended Spectrum β-Lactamase producing Salmonella enterica was 23.08% [13.76; 32.40] and 5.55% [0.26; 10.84] from chickens and poultry farmers, respectively. The risk factor for this carriage was revealed to be lack of knowledge by actors in livestock industries of antibiotic resistance. Chickens, just like poultry farmers, represent the starting point of community salmonellosis, which is difficult to cure; therefore, sensitization of breeders is an effective tool for the mitigation of this burden.

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.

Relationship Between Growth Strategies and SME Success / Failure: The case of SMEs in the Western Region of Cameroon

Just like most economies around the globe, SMEs are of extreme importance to the Cameroonian economy. They constitute the greatest part of the business population and contribute significantly to GDP, job creation, as well as income distribution, and the fight against poverty. Despite their contribution, this category of business still experiences high failure rates. The lack of a strategic approach in the management of SMEs alongside other factors has been reported to be responsible for these high failure rates. However, the inhabitants of the Western Region of Cameroon have proven to be highly successful in their business ventures. While their business success is extensively reported, studies that provide empirical evidence of the association between the growth strategies they used and SME success are almost inexistent; thus, the purpose of this study. The study made use of a pre-tested questionnaire that was administered to 500 SME owners/managers in the Western Region of Cameroon. After consistency checks, 403 returned questionnaires were retained for the study. Findings from this study revealed that there exists a significant association between the use of growth strategy and SME success/failure in the Western Region of Cameroon. It is therefore recommended that SMEs in this region make more consistent and deliberate use of strategy to improve business success chances.

English

The increased health effect of pesticides on the agrarian population in Africa, particularly in Cameroon is a challenging concern. Therefore, this study aims to assess the health risks and risk perceptions of market garden producers towards the effects of pesticides in Cameroon. Using a multi-stage sampling technique, a sample of 560 producers in the Noun Division, Western Region of Cameroon was obtained and an ordered Logit model was adopted to perform the analyses. The results show that 63.93 and 74.62% of producers testify that insecticides and herbicides are among the extremely hazardous products, while 43.25 and 65.36% consider fungicides and nematicides as strongly hazardous for their health. Meanwhile, some socioeconomic characteristics including education, age, health effects, training on pesticides, knowledge and awareness are the main indicators of risk perception. Consequently, overuse of pesticides and their negative effects on the health of farmers may be aggravated, if there is no support by the integration of social norms. Furthermore, training program from agricultural extension services should place emphasis on imparting basic precautionary knowledge for limited producers. Key words: Cameroon, Market garden producers, symptoms of poisoning, Ordered Logit model, agrochemical products effects, risk awareness.

Clinical characteristics and classification of Cameroonians with obesity and metabolically normal phenotype in the West region of Cameroon

The objective of this study was to classify and suggest an adequate definition of the metabolically normal phenotype among Cameroonians with obesity in the western Region of Cameroon. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the West Cameroon Region from August 2016 to August 2017. A total of 324 subjects with BMI >27 kg/m2, aged of 20 years and older, and not treated for cardiometabolic diseases were included in the study. Sociodemographic and clinical parameters of the subjects were collected. Four definitions of metabolic status were tested to suggest the definition that best identifies the subjects with obesity but metabolically normal phenotype (MNO) in the study. The prevalence of the MNO phenotype varied from 2.50% to 29.60% according to the definitions used. According to the individual definitions, the prevalence of the MNO phenotype was 29.60% according to Hinnouho, 16.00% according to Mbanya, 7.40% according to Meigs and 2.50% according to Widman. Markers of inflammatory profile (high sensitivity C-reactive protein and tumor necrosis factor-alpha), carbohydrate homeostasis (fasting glucose and homeostasis model assessment), markers of lipid profile (total cholesterol and triglyceride), systolic blood pressure, nitric oxide, adiposity indices (Waist circumference and waist to hip ratio) were significantly lower in MNO subjects for the majority of definitions (p < 0.05). The modified Hinnouho definition showed better specificity (60.90%) and sensitivity (12.10%) for an area under the ROC curve of 0.98. The degree of agreement was low between the different pairs of definition of the MNO phenotype (Kappa< 0.61). There is poor agreement between the different definitions of the MNO phenotype among Cameroonians with obesity. Therefore, the adoption of a universal definition of MNO phenotype should be proposed to facilitate the management of metabolic health in people with obesity.

Prevalence and Clinical Aspects of Hemophilia in the Western Region of Cameroon

Introduction: Hemophilia is a constitutional defect in blood clotting related to a clotting factor deficiency. Its remains a major public health problem, mainly due to ignorance of the disease, limited screening capacities and access to treatment in sub-Saharan Africa and particularly in Cameroon. It causes heavy bleeding in the absence of adequate management. Few reports are available about the disease in countries with limited resources. This study assess the occurrence of hemophilia in the Western region of Cameroon and clinical aspects with the aim of raising public awareness of the disease.&#x0D; Methods: A cross-sectional and descriptive study was carried out over a period of 04 months in 5 departments of the Western region of Cameroon, in particular Mifi, Ndé, Bamboutos, Haut Nkam and Menoua. The individuals were selected in their houses on the basis of clinical arguments, i.e. bleeding from the gums, traumatic wounds, hematomas. The blood samples taken from the latter were analyzed in the hemostasis laboratory of the Regional Hospital of Bafoussam. The epidemiological characteristics of hemophiliacs identified and suspects hemophiliacs were analyzed. The results obtained were analysed using statistical software R version 4.1.1.&#x0D; Results: Out of 5995 people selected, 13 (0.22%) cases of hemophilia were identified, 09 confirmed cases and 04 new cases. The mean age of the patients was 14.85 years old (1.5-49). The disease was discovered mainly during circumcision in the months following birth (9/13, 69.23%), and by bleeding of the gums (9/13, 69.23%). Clinical signs were pain of the joints (46%), hematoma and swelling of the joints (38%). Platelets counts and prothrombin rate were normal in all. However, a prolonged Cephalin + Activator Time was found; it was corrected by supplying normal control plasma.&#x0D; Conclusion: Hemophilia is a pathology little known for the general public. For this, with the help of public authorithies, continuing education sessions must be set up to raise awareness among the population in order to limit the transmission of the disease and to eradicate this scourge which constitutes a real public health problem.

Physicochemical Analysis of Potable Water in Baham Community, Western Region of Cameroon

Safe and easily accessible water is important for community health. This paper presents the physicochemical analysis of water in Baham community, western region of Cameroon by collecting water samples from boreholes, well and stream. Physiochemical analysis using gravimetric and titrimetric methods were carried out on the collected samples and they were analysed based on their temperature, pH, colour, odour, total dissolved solid (TDS) and total suspended solid (TSS), sulphate, lead and chloride concentration as well as acidity and alkalinity. The results showed low pH values between 5.39 and 6.11 for all samples, an average temperature of 20°C, agreeable colour and odour for all samples but for the stream, which had colour, odour, very low TDS between 10-20 mg/l, TSS between 10 and 50 mg/l, acceptable for all but the stream and well samples which had a concentration of 30mg/l and 50mg/l respectively, very low chloride concentration level of 8-23 mg/l compared to WHO’s recommended 250 mg/l, very high sulphate contents of 246.9-493.8 mg/l and lead concentrations of 0.27-0.30 mg/l which is about 5 times the recommended 0.05 mg/l WHO permissible limit. The results showed high acidity (60-110 mg/l) and alkalinity (50-150 mg/l) values which fall within acceptable limits. From the results above, it was concluded that the quality of water in Baham is not fit for consumption according to WHO standards. It is acidic, lacks essential minerals, not properly disinfected and has disturbingly high lead concentrations.

Rotating Savings and Credit Associations, An Alternative Source of SME Financing: The Case of the Inhabitants of the Western Region of Cameroon

The relevance of SMEs to the economy is a globally accepted truth. These small actors generally constitute the largest category of businesses and contribute significantly to vital economic indicators. Despite their relevance, this category of businesses experiences considerable challenges obtaining financing: especially formal financing. This limited access to capital has been reported to constitute a major cause of high SME failure rates. This is mainly because these businesses lack the collateral necessary to access formal financing. Despite the above literature, it is reported that inhabitants of the Western Region of Cameroon, also referred to as the Bamelikes make extensive use of Rotating Savings and Credit Associations (ROSCA) for business financing and that this is partly responsible for their increased success in entrepreneurial activities. However, empirical studies establishing the impact of the usage of ROSCAs on SME access to capital in this region are almost inexistent. Given the above, it is the aim of this study to investigate and empirically establish whether the usage of ROSCAs significantly impacts SME access to capital in the Western Region of Cameroon. Using stratified random sampling, 500 participants from the major settlements of the Western Region of Cameroon were selected for this study. The questionnaire for the study was administered to these participants. 414 questionnaires were returned and after consistency verification, data from 401 respondents were retained for this study. The data was analyzed using the One-Way ANOVA analytical tool in the IBM SPSS software (version 21). The finding disclosed that ROSCAs usage has a statistically significant impact on SME’s access to capital in the Western Region of Cameroon. It is therefore recommended that SME owners/managers join such associations or come together to create such associations to improve their access to capital. In addition to that, since these organizations are widely spread across Africa and developing economies, they could be repurposed for business financing reasons instead of consumption.

Sesquiterpene Lactones from Vernonia tufnelliae: Structural Characterization and Biological Evaluation.

The genus Vernonia is an extremely rich source of biologically active sesquiterpene lactones. The present report describes the spectroscopic structure elucidation and the cytotoxic and antimicrobial properties of five hitherto unknown germacranolide-like sesquiterpenoids and several known compounds. These new derivatives include a compound (1) with an unprecedented 10/5/5/6 tetracyclic framework featuring a hexahydro-1H,3H,7H-furo[3',4':3,4]furo[3,2-c]pyridin-1-one core resulting from an intramolecular cyclization cascade involving a methacrylate substituent and a low molecular weight amine. Furthermore, an elemane-germacranolide hybrid (2) and three amino acid-derived lactones (3-5) were characterized. A plausible biosynthetic pathway to the key alkaloid is presented, while shielding tensor calculations using DFT in combination with the DP4+ method were applied to elucidate its stereostructure. The newly characterized compounds along with ten known sesquiterpene lactones and phenolic compounds have been isolated from Vernonia tufnelliae, a medicinal plant from the western region of Cameroon. Their structures were consistent with spectroscopic and spectrometric data recorded. The present report is the first investigation of the chemistry and biology of V. tufnelliae.

Detection of Cucumber mosaic virus on Solanum lycopersicum L. and Capsicum annuum L. in the Western region of Cameroon

The Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) is of major concern to large and small-scale growers of tomato and pepper in the Western region of Cameroon. It causes loss in quantity and quality of produce. Here, we described the detection of CMV and symptomatology in infected tomato and pepper grown in the Western region of Cameroon using a serological method. To detect CMV, 180 leaves of each species were tested. Leaves were collected from the surveyed fields were screened initially for the CMV using Double Antibody Sandwich Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (DAS-ELISA) using polyclonal antibodies of CMV. To draw up the list of the symptoms, 300 symptomatic leaves were collected, 150 leaves per species and DAS-ELISA was used to confirm the presence of CMV in the leaf sample. The proportion of infected leaves among the total sample determined. The prevalence of CMV on tomato and pepper were 37.22% and 78.33% respectively. In conclusion, CMV infects tomato and pepper in the West Region of Cameroon to a varying extent. Also, assessing only symptom on the two crops is not enough for the determination of the health status of both crops with respect to CMV. As a result of this study, there is a need to sensitize tomato and pepper farmers about CMV and to provide them with basic vector-management strategies.

Ethnopharmacological Study of the Medicinal Plants Used in the Treatment of Sickle Cell Anemia in the West Region of Cameroon.

Background Sickle cell anemia (SCA) or sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic disease associated with increased morbidity and mortality in Africa and other developing nations. Therefore, modern and traditional remedies are being introduced for use in the treatment and management of this disease. This is because safe, effective, and inexpensive therapeutic agents are urgently needed for the treatment of this disease in Africa and other developing nations. Objective The purpose of this study is to identify medicinal plant species commonly used by traditional healers in the treatment of sickle cell patients across some localities in the west region of Cameroon. Material and Methods. The ethnopharmacological survey was carried out in several districts within some localities of the western region of Cameroon. The survey was based on a semistructured questionnaire that was administered to 17 traditional healers and 62 sickle cell patients. It took place between November 2018 and March 2019. Personal information of participants and plant therapy data were gathered. Plants were identified at the National Herbarium of Cameroon. Literature review determined pharmacological effects and phytochemical compounds of the identified plants. Data were generally analysed using Epi Info 7 software for Windows. Results Twelve medicinal plant species belonging to 10 families are being used in the treatment of sickle cell anemia across the study sites. Euphorbiaceae is the dominant family with three plant species. Bark (39.3%) and seeds (35.7%) are the most used plant parts, which get administered through maceration, decoction, and chewing in water. According to the literature review, the identified plants have pharmacological effects and phytochemical compounds (especially polyphenols and alkaloids) that signify the presence of antioxidant compounds, which may possess an antisickling activity. There is therefore a need to conduct another study to scientifically validate (in vitro) antisickling properties of these plants. Conclusion This study has revealed promising medicinal plants that are currently applied in the traditional treatment of sickle cell anemia. Although still inconclusive, the association of pharmacological effects and phytochemical compounds with these medicinal plants justifies their use in traditional pharmacopoeia.

Effects of Rainfall Variability on the Occurrence of Crop Pests at Foumbot Subdivision, West Region of Cameroon

Rainfall is an essential climate variable for plant development. Its variability has an impact on the plant phenology. The present study aimed to analyze the variation in rainfall in order to determine the rainfall hazard responsible to the occurrence of pest and diseases in tomato and maize. The study was carried out at Foumbot located in the Western Region of Cameroon, more specifically in the Noun Division. Part of this district occupies the left bank of the river Noun, more precisely the Noun plain. The rainfall data was collected from the period of 1997 to 2019 and analyzed. Monthly data was collected from 1997 to 2019 and daily data from 2010 to 2019.The surveys were made with three groups of actors: the agricultural services (the Agricultural Delegation of Foumbot), the agricultural research services (IRAD of Foumbot), and the farmers' organizations (the Common Initiative Group (CIG) and cooperatives). Stratified random sampling was used for the surveys. The results revealed that the first cropping season from March to July is characterized by an increase in consecutive dry days of 5 to more than 7 days. This situation has been confirmed by 30% of the investigated actors, who mentioned that consecutive days without rain were favorable to the appearances of pest and diseases. The SPI (Standard Precipitation Index) analysis of rainfall data showed that this can be link to the prolongation of the dryness season in the cropping season which started in March. Therefore, the monthly SPI consider March as a dry month. So, March and May are not suitable for the beginning of cropping season due to the multiplication of drought episode. The tomato leaf miner (Tuta absoluta) and the armyworm had been identified as the pest and disease which appear during the consecutive dry days. They are characterized by an increase in temperature. The study is useful for agricultural drought management and crop productivity in an unpredictable environment.