Patterns of injury and violence in Yaoundé Cameroon: an analysis of hospital data.

BackgroundInjuries are quickly becoming a leading cause of death globally, disproportionately affecting sub-Saharan Africa, where reports on the epidemiology of injuries are extremely limited. Reports on the patterns and frequency of injuries are available from Cameroon are also scarce. This study explores the patterns of trauma seen at the emergency ward of the busiest trauma center in Cameroon's capital city.Materials and methodsAdministrative records from January 1, 2007, through December 31, 2007, were retrospectively reviewed; information on age, gender, mechanism of injury, and outcome was abstracted for all trauma patients presenting to the emergency ward. Univariate analysis was performed to assess patterns of injuries in terms of mechanism, date, age, and gender. Bivariate analysis was used to explore potential relationships between demographic variables and mechanism of injury.ResultsA total of 6,234 injured people were seen at the Central Hospital of Yaoundé's emergency ward during the year 2007. Males comprised 71% of those injured, and the mean age of injured patients was 29 years (SD = 14.9). Nearly 60% of the injuries were due to road traffic accidents, 46% of which involved a pedestrian. Intentional injuries were the second most common mechanism of injury (22.5%), 55% of which involved unarmed assault. Patients injured in falls were more likely to be admitted to the hospital (p < 0.001), whereas patients suffering intentional injuries and bites were less likely to be hospitalized (p < 0.001). Males were significantly more likely to be admitted than females (p < 0.001)DiscussionPatterns in terms of age, gender, and mechanism of injury are similar to reports from other countries from the same geographic region, but the magnitude of cases reported is high for a single institution in an African city the size of Yaoundé. As the burden of disease is predicted to increase dramatically in sub-Saharan Africa, immediate efforts in prevention and treatment in Cameroon are strongly warranted

Discrimination of citrus tristeza virus (CTV) strains using Mexican lime/citrange Troyer combinations (Citrus poncirus/Citrus trifoliata x Poncirus sinensis)

Two strains of citrus tristeza virus (CTV) were studied for six years in Yaounde in the forest zone of Cameroon. These strains, SNCL2 and SNCL4, were characterized on Lisbon lemon in Nyombe in thelittoral zone of Cameroon. They were inoculated onto combinations of Mexican lime/citrange Troyer. The virulent strain SNCL2 induced a lower lateral growth of the trunk of stocks and scions of six yearsold combinations. These observations were made three years after inoculation. Tristeza symptoms could not allow for differentiation between the two strains of CTV

Trypanosoma brucei gambiense in domestic livestock of Kogo and Mbini foci (Equatorial Guinea).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate Trypanosoma brucei gambiense infection in peri-domestic livestock from Kogo and Mbini foci (Equatorial Guinea) in order to investigate its possible implication in the sleeping sickness transmission cycle in these hypoendemic foci. METHODS: Samples from 698 domestic animals (goats, sheep and pigs) from trypanosomiasis-endemic localities of Kogo and Mbini foci were tested for animal trypanosomes and T. b. gambiense (group I) by species-specific polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Trypanosoma brucei s.l., the predominant trypanosome species, was detected in 182 (52.6%) samples from Mbini and in 127 (36.1%) samples from Kogo. T. b. gambiense was only identified in seven (2%) of the Mbini samples and one co-infection (with T. vivax) was observed. CONCLUSION: The occurrence of T. b. gambiense in peri-domestic livestock in Mbini and its absence in Kogo could explain the epidemiological differences between the two foci and could have significant implications for sleeping sickness control in Equatorial Guinea

BIOLOGICAL STUDIES ON NITROGEN - CONTAINING COMPOUNDS FROM CAMPYLOSPERMUM OLIVERIANUM AND CAMPYLOSPERMUM SULCATUM (OCHNACEAE)

Objective: Campylospermum oliverianum and C. sulcatum (Ochnaceae) are considered conspecific by some reports. Methods: Following phytochemical analyses on those species, biological tests were carried. Results: Phytotchemical analyses led to the isolation of three known nitrogenous compounds: two cyanoglucosides named dhurrin and menisdaurin and an indole alkaloid, serotobenine. These nitrogen-containing compounds showed potent cytotoxic activities against the microcrustacean Artemia salina (brine shrimp), when two of them exhibited efficient bactericidal effects against a few Gram cocci. This newest co-occurrence of both α- and γ-hydroxynitrile glucosides within the same species suggested another biosynthetic pathway for putative tyrosine-derived non-cyanogenic cyanoglucosides. Conclusion: This study does not recommend an identical chemical profile for the two species, hence they might not be regarded as the same. The biosynthetic pathway of numerous putative tyrosine-derived cyanoglucosides is supported by the isolated compounds from C. sulcatum. The taxonomical value of serotobenine in species of the Campylospermum genus as well as the other one of cyanoglucosides in angiosperms is once more highlighted

Parasitism of host trees by the Loranthaceae in the region of Douala (Cameroon)

The Loranthaceae constitute the most important parasite plants that cause variable damages: morphological, technological, ecological and socio- economic. These numerous and damaging effects make some parasitic angiosperms true agronomic threats, especially in developing countries. The Loranthaceae is represented in Cameroon by 26 species gathered into 7 genus. The study area includes four sites: a traditional plantation of Cola nitida situated at Penja (70 km Nord of Douala), the main road to Douala airport, one quarter (Logbessou) and Makondo village (80 km East of Douala) in an orchard dominated by Citrus. A total of 2643 individuals of DBH (diameter at breast height) greater or equal to 5 cm were inventoried. 637 individuals were parasitized. Eight known species were identified. Phragmanthera capitata is more frequent and more abundant (76.14%). The infested host trees belong to 16 species gathered into 12 genus and 10 families. The most parasitized host family is Sterculiaceae. The most sensitive host species to the parasitism of Loranthaceae is P. americana (21.51%), followed by C. nitida (17.27%) and Terminalia mantaly (13.65%). Lauraceae is infested by 7 Loranthaceae out of 8 parasites investigated. The consequences of the parasitism of the Loranthaceae demonstrate the need for establishing comprehensive ecosystem management programs.Key words: Host trees, inventory, Loranthaceae, parasites plants

Dynamique de croissance et taux de mortalité de Rhizophora spp. dans les mangroves de l'estuaire du Rio del Rey: Site de Bamusso (Sud-Ouest Cameroun)

Objectifs : L’objectif des présents travaux est de clarifier le stock du peuplement de Rhizophora ssp. du site par la détermination de ses paramètres de structure spatiale et d'évaluer sa croissance annuelle.Méthodologie et résultats : La méthode d'étude est celle des transects. Deux transects de 100mx10m distantes de 5km orientés WNW-ESE et perpendiculaires au principal chenal ont été établis au hasard .Chaque transect était subdivisé en trois placettes de 20mx10m et chaque placettes scindé en deux sous placettes de 20mx5m. Les mesures (Diamètre et hauteur) ont été effectuées à l'intérieur de chaque sous placette pendant trois campagnes (2009, 2012, 2014). Les résultats montrent que les diamètres moyens pour le transect1(T1) sont de 4,76 ± 0,23cm; 5,09± 0,25cm et 5,43±0,28cm contre 26,53 ± 1,72cm; 24,66 ± 1,90cm et 25,26 ± 1,93cm pour le transect2 (T2) respectivement pour 2009; 2012 et 2014. Les hauteurs moyennes varient de 4,51 ± 0,16 m (2009); 4,74 ± 0,18m (2012) et 4,98 ± 0,2m (2014) pour T1 contre 20,20± 1,22m; 18,86 ± 1,35 m et 19,29 ±1,39m pour T2. L'analyse de la croissance du peuplement montre que les diamètres d'exploitation du bois de la mangrove  affectionnée par les riverains se situent dans l'intervalle (5-30cm). Le test d'ANOVA montre une différence significative (P<0,05) pour les paramètres, de structure et une différence non significative (P>0,05) de la croissance annuelle entre T1 et T2.Conclusion et application des résultats : Cette étude a montré un taux de mortalité relativement faible (m=2,27%) qui présage d'une pression anthropique faible sur cet écosystème. L'étude de la dynamique réalisée permet de recommander ce site dans le processus REDD+ pour le calcul du carbone bleu indispensable dans la lutte contre le phénomène de changement climatique. Mots clés: Transect, Diamètre; Hauteur; Nombre d'individus, BamussoGrowth dynamic and death rate of Rhizophora spp. within mangrove's forest of Rio del Rey estuary (South-West Cameroon)Objective: This study was conducted to clarify the stock of Rhizophora ssp and to assess its growth within the study area.Methodology and results: Transect method was carried out during this study. So, two transects of 100 m in length, 10 m in width and 0.1 ha in area each distance to 5km oriented WNW-ESE and perpendicular to themain channel were established randomly . Each transect was divided in three plots of 20mx10m each and each plot separated in two subplots of 20mx5m each. Measures (Diameter and height) were collected within each subplot during three data collections campaigns (2009,2012,and 2014). The results show that mean diameters of transect1(T1) were 4.76 ± 0.23cm; 5.09± 0.25cm and 5.43±0.28cm to 26.53 ± 1.72cm; 24.66 ± 1.90cm and 25.26 ± 1.93cm for transect2 (T2) respectively in 2009; 2012 et 2014. Mean height values were 4.51 ± 0.16 m (2009); 4.74 ± 0.18m (2012) and 4.98 ± 0.2m (2014) for T1 to 20.20± 1.22m; 18.86 ± 1.35 m and 19.29 ±1.39m for T2. Study of growth show that used diameters of mangrove woods by neighborhood are inside class 5-30cm. The one-way ANOVA test showed a significant difference (P<0.05) for structure  parameters and no significant difference (P>0,05) for annual growth between T1 and T2.Conclusion and application of findings: This study showed a relatively weak annual death rate of trees (m=2.27%) dues to a weak anthropogenic pressure in this ecosystem. This dynamic study will recommend the site to the REDD+ process in order to estimate its blue carbon stock important to fight against climate change.Key words: Transect, Diameter, Height, Number of individuals, Bamuss

Isolation and structural elucidation of compounds from Pleiocarpa bicarpellata and their in vitro antiprotozoal activity

Species of the genus Pleiocarpa are used in traditional medicine against fever and malaria. The present study focuses on the isolation and identification of bioactive compounds from P. bicarpellata extracts, and the evaluation of their antiprotozoal activity. Fractionation and isolation combined to LC-HRMS/MS-based dereplication provided 16 compounds: seven indole alkaloids, four indoline alkaloids, two secoiridoid glycosides, two iridoid glycosides, and one phenolic glucoside. One of the quaternary indole alkaloids (7) and one indoline alkaloid (15) have never been reported before. Their structures were elucidated by analysis of spectroscopic data, including 1D and 2D NMR experiments, UV, IR, and HRESIMS data. The absolute configurations were determined by comparison of the experimental and calculated ECD data. The extracts and isolated compounds were evaluated for their antiprotozoal activity towards Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, Trypanosoma cruzi, Leishmania donovani, and Plasmodium falciparum, as well as for their cytotoxicity against rat skeletal myoblast L6 cells. The dichloromethane/methanol (1:1) root extract showed strong activity against P. falciparum (IC50 value of 3.5 microg/mL). Among the compounds isolated, tubotaiwine (13) displayed the most significant antiplasmodial activity with an IC50 value of 8.5 microM and a selectivity index of 23.4. Therefore, P. bicarpallata extract can be considered as a source of indole alkaloids with antiplasmodial activity

Prévalence de la démence dans une population de personnes âgées sénégalaises

Description Avec le vieillissement de la population, survient la démence dans la population de personnes âgées. Objectif. L’objectif de cette étude était d’estimer la prévalence de cette affection dans une population de personnes âgées sénégalaises. Méthodes Par une étude transversale qui s’est déroulée du 01 mars 2004 au 31 décembre 2005, des personnes âgées de 55 ans et plus venant consulter pour un problème de santé au Centre Médico-Social et Universitaire de l’IPRES (Sénégal) ont été évaluées sur le plan clinique et neuropsychologique. Des données sur les caractéristiques sociodémographiques, les antécédents médico-chirurgicaux et familiaux, le mode de vie, le réseau social ont été collectées à l’aide d’un questionnaire structuré avec des réponses fermées. Résultat La population à l’étude était composée de 872 personnes. Elles avaient un âge moyen de 67,2 ans ± 7,5.Elles étaient de sexe masculin (62,6%), mariées (79%), non instruites (50,7%). Dans les antécédents, l’HTA, le diabète, les affections respiratoires, les affections rhumatismales, la cataracte et les troublesdigestifs étaient les plus fréquents. Le tabagisme et l’alcoolisme était faible alors que la marche constituait la principale activité physique. Les personnes âgées vivaient en famille avec un bon réseau social.Cinquante huit (58) personnes ont présenté une démence (6,6%). La prévalence de la maladie variait de manière significative avec l’âge et l’instruction. Conclusion Ce résultat confirme que la prévalence de la démence varie en fonction de l’âge et de l’instruction de la personne âgée

Facteurs de risque de démence dans une population de personnes âgées sénégalaises

Description La démence est devenue un problème de santé publique. Dans le but d’une prévention, il est important de connaitre son épidémiologie au Sénégal. L’objectif de cette étude était d’identifier les facteurs de risque de démence dans une population de personnes âgées sénégalaises. MéthodesUne étude transversale a été réalisée du 01 Mars 2004 au 31 Décembre 2005 auprès d’une population de 872 personnes âgées de 55ans et plus utilisant le Centre Médicosocial et Universitaire de l’Institut de Prévoyance Retraite du Sénégal pour des soins. Par une étude en deux phases, des données sociodémographiques, sur le mode de vie, le réseau social, les antécédents ont été collectées à l’aide d’un questionnaire structuré complété par un examen clinique et une évaluation neuropsychologique. Le diagnostic de démence reposait sur des critères DSM IV-R