K. Sridhar Moorthy’s Theoretical Modelling in Marketing - A Review

Modelling has become a visible tool in many disciplines including marketing and several marketing models have been constructed. These models serve their pedagogical and practical purposes in some cases. However, among the marketing models so often cited is Moorthy‟s Theoretical Modelling in Marketing. This model is important, and hence this review once more, in that it offers a starting point, and in some cases the finishing line, for those who want to tread the pedestrian of modelling in marketing. But this is not the end; it also provides an explanation for those who want to know more about modelling in general by providing answers to some basic questions about the use of models. Our discussion here will certainly bring in many people who have been peeping into marketing modelling from behind the wall.Key words: Marketing, Modelling, Moorthy, Pedagogy, Theoretica

Anti-spermatogenic and estrogenic effects of Escravos crude oil in Chinchilla rabbits

This study aimed at investigating the effects of Escravos crude oil on spermatogenesis in relation to serum concentrations of estradiol and total cholesterol. A total of 30 male Chinchilla rabbits within the age range of 12 to 14 weeks and weighing 1.2 kg to 1.45 kg were used in this study. The doses of 00, 15, 20, 25 and 30 mg kg-1 body weight of Escravos crude oil were orally administered to groups A, B, C, D and E, respectively for 28 days. Serum concentrations of estradiol and total cholesterol were estimated using the microplate enzyme immunoassay and enzymatic end point methods, respectively. The SPSS software package (version 16) was used for the statistical analyses and results expressed in mean ± Standard Deviation. The results showed dose dependent significant increases in estradiol (18.32 +/- 6.46 to 69.41 +/- 12.89 pg/ml) and total cholesterol (1.32 +/- 0.24 to 2.92 +/- 0.34 mmol/l) concentrations (p<0.05), and insignificant increase (p>0.05) in the relative weight of the testis (3.80 +/- 0.40 to 5.50 +/- 0.90 g). The histology of the testes revealed decreased spermatogenic activity. The findings of this study suggest that Escravos crude oil could be a potential endocrine disruptor and anti-spermatogenic agent.Keywords: Escravos crude oil, Estradiol, Anti-Spermatogenesis, Total cholesterol, Chinchilla rabbits

Hepatic Potentials of Xylopia Aethiopica Leaves in Adult Wistar Rats

This study investigates the possible toxic effect of Xylopia aethiopica on liver function via the evaluation of someserum biochemical parameters. The study involved 24 adult rats with weight ranging from 150 to 300g and dividedinto four groups of 6 rats each (A, B, C and D). For 21 days, varying doses of 1.2g/kg, 3.0g/kg and 6.0g/kg per body weight of Xylopia aethiopica  leaves powder were administered daily to test groups B, C and D respectively. Group A however served as control that received normal feed and water only. At the end of the experiment, the animals were sacrificed under light anesthesia to obtain blood samples for the estimation of liver enzyme activities. The results showed that there was a significant increase (P<0.05) in the activities of Aspartate amino transferase (AST) and Alkaline Phosphates (ALP) but a significant decrease (P<0.05) in the levels of total protein, albumin and globulin levels in the test groups as compared to the control. On the other hand, the activities of Gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) and Alanine amino transferase (ALT) of the test groups were not significantly different (P>0.05) from that of the control.  Therefore,  the observed changes in the parameters accessed, signifies the hepatotoxic impact of Xylopia aethiopica leaves.Keywords: Xylopia aethiopica, hepatoxicity, Herbs, Nigeria

Toxoplasma Gondii Infection in HIV/AIDS: Prevalence and Risk Factors

BACKGROUND: Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii. It is common in severely immunecompromisedpersons.OBJECTIVE: To determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection and the risk factors associated with the infection and to investigate the association between T. gondii infection and CD4 cell count.METHODS: Sera collected from 242 HIV positive HAART- naive patients were tested for T. gondii specific immunoglobulin G antibodies. Information was obtained using a structured questionnaire. Baseline CD4 cell counts were obtained from patients case files. Data was managed using SPSS version 20 software and Microsoft Excel worksheet.RESULTS: One hundred and sixty eight (69.4%) subjects were females while 74(30.6%) were males. One hundred (41.3%) of study participants were Toxoplasma IgG antibody positive. Thirty two(32) HIV positive pregnant women were among this group studied with 12( 37.5%) being Toxo IgG antibody positive. Toxoplasma seropositivity was higher in females (42.8%) than in males (39.2%), P= 0.60. CD4 cell count level of < 200 was negatively associated with Toxoplasma seropositivity than CD4 count . 200 by logistic regression (OR= 0.6; 95% CI 0.3- 1.0). Living in proximity with cat was positively associated with T. gondii infection (P= 0.01).CONCLUSION: T. gondii infection is common in pregnant women indicating greater probability of congenital transmission of T. gondii. This could form a basis for recommending intensifying health education and prophylactic treatment for all HIV positive pregnant women. Measures should be taken to prevent stray cats from entering homes.Keywords: Toxoplasma gondii , IgG, Seroprevalence, HIV positive, CD4 cells

Acanthus montanus: An experimental evaluation of the antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and immunological properties of a traditional remedy for furuncles

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p><it>Acanthus montanus </it>(Nees) T. Anderson (Acanthaceae) is a shrub widespread in Africa, the Balkans, Romania, Greece and Eastern Mediterranean. It is used in African traditional medicine for the treatment of urogenital infections, urethral pain, endometritis, urinary disease, cystitis, leucorrhoea, aches and pains. In southeastern Nigeria, the root is popular and acclaimed highly effective in the treatment of furuncles. This study was undertaken to experimentally evaluate the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of the root extract as well as its effect on phagocytosis and specific cell-mediated immune response which may underlie the usefulness of the roots in treatment of furuncles.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The aqueous root extract (obtained by hot water maceration of the root powder) was studied for effects on the growth of clinically isolated strains of <it>Pseudomonas aeruginosa </it>and <it>Staphylococcus aureus</it>. The anti-inflammatory activity was investigated using acute topical edema of the mouse ear induced by xylene, acute paw edema induced by agar in rats, formaldehyde arthritis in rats, vascular permeability induced by acetic acid in mice and heat- and hypotonicity-induced haemolysis of ox red blood cells (RBCs). Also evaluated were the effects on <it>in vivo </it>leukocyte migration induced by agar, phagocytic activity of macrophages on <it>Candida albicans </it>and specific cell-mediated immune responses (delayed type hypersensitivity reaction (DTHR) induced by sheep red blood cell (SRBC)). The acute toxicity and lethality (LD₅₀) in mice and phytochemical constituents of the extract were also determined.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The extract moderately inhibited the growth of the test organisms and significantly (<it>P </it>< 0.05) inhibited (57%) topical acute edema in the mouse ear. It significantly (<it>P </it>< 0.05) suppressed the development of acute edema of the rat paw in a non-dose-related manner and was not effective in inhibiting the global edematous response to formaldehyde arthritis. It also inhibited vascular permeability induced by acetic acid in mice and the haemolysis of ox RBCs induced by heat- and hypotonicity. The extract increased total leukocyte and neutrophil counts and caused a significant (<it>P </it>< 0.05) dose-related increase in the total number of macrophages at the 800 mg/kg dose. On phagocytic activity, the extract evoked a significant (<it>P </it>< 0.05) increase in the number of macrophages with ingested <it>C. albicans </it>at 800 mg/kg dose, and significantly (<it>P </it>< 0.05) inhibited DTHR in a dose-related manner. Phytochemical tests on the extract revealed an abundant presence of alkaloids and carbohydrates while saponins, glycosides, and terpenoids occurred in trace amounts. Acute toxicity test established an oral and intraperitoneal LD₅₀greater than 5,000 mg/kg.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The effectiveness of the root of <it>A. montanus </it>in the treatment of furuncles may largely derive from mobilization of leukocytes to the site of the infection and activation of phagocytic activity as well as suppression of exacerbated immune responses by its constituents. Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities are likely contributory mechanisms. Phytochemical constituents such as alkaloids and carbohydrates may be responsible for these pharmacological activities.</p

Genital tract inflammation during early HIV-infection predicts higher plasma viral load set point in women.

Background. The biggest challenge in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) prevention in Africa is the high HIV-1 burden in young women. In macaques, proinflammatory cytokine production in the genital tract is necessary for target cell recruitment and establishment of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection following vaginal inoculation. The purpose of this study was to assess if genital inflammation during early HIV-1 infection predisposes women to rapid disease progression. Methods. Inflammatory cytokine concentrations were measured in cervicovaginal lavage (CVL) from 49 women 6, 17, 30, and 55 weeks after HIV-1 infection and from 22 of these women before infection. Associations between genital inflammation and viral load set point and blood CD4 cell counts 12 months after infection were investigated. Results. Elevated genital cytokine concentrations 6 and 17 weeks after HIV-1 infection were associated with higher viral load set points and, to a lesser extent, with CD4 depletion. CVL cytokine concentrations during early infection did not differ relative to preinfection but were elevated in women who had vaginal discharge, detectable HIV-1 RNA in their genital tracts, and lower blood CD4 counts. Conclusion. Genital inflammation during early HIV-1 infection was associated with higher viral load set point and CD4 depletion, which are markers of rapid disease progression. Strategies aimed at reducing genital inflammation during early HIV-1 infection may slow disease progression

Budget Gamesmanship

Game play in budgeting is not new. They are routine behaviours adopted by managers and subordinates to cope with pressures inherent in the budgetary negation process or deliberate and pre-meditated manipulation of performance variables by managers to project an overtly conservative image into their budget. Nevertheless, when budget data is improperly applied such as placing much emphasis on budget, it can result in dysfunctional behaviour and other negative consequences such as the creation of budgetary slacks and budget gamesmanship. It could also arise due to conflicts between top management quest for control and lower-level management demand for flexibility, unclear objective setting process, market uncertainty, managers’ drive to achieve target .Keywords: Budget, budget games, budgeting, budget participatio

Serodiagnosis of bacterial infections - pitfalls and prospects in clinical diagnosis

No Abstract. Discovery and Innovation Vol. 18(1) 2006: 37-4

Evaluation of potency and immunogenicity of indiginous new castle disease lasota vaccine, sold at various location sin South Eastern states of Nigeria

No Abstract.Global Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences Vol. 14 (2) 2008 pp. 183-18