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Evaluation of analgesic and behavioural effects of ethanol root bark extract of Erythrina senegalensis DC (Fabaceae)
Full text linkBackground: The ethnomedicinal uses of Erythrina senegalensis including its antinociceptive and sedative properties have been documented in literature. Objective: This study evaluated the analgesic and behavioural effects of the ethanol root bark extract of E. senegalensis in mice. Methodology: Phytochemical screening and acute toxicity studies were conducted. Analgesic activity in mice was assessed using acetic acid induced writhing and hot plate method, while behavioural effects were evaluated using diazepam-induced sleeping test and hole-board test. These evaluations were carried out on E. senegalensis ethanol root bark extract at doses of 75, 150 and 300 mg/kg. Results: The intraperitoneal median lethal dose was found to be 1,137 mg/kg, while alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins and reducing sugars were found to be present in the plant material. E. senegalensis ethanol root bark extract at 150 and 300 mg/kg exhibited significant (p< 0.001) analgesic activity which offered 17.6% and 25.8% inhibition above ketoprofen in the acetic acid test respectively. At 300 mg/kg, E. senegalensis ethanol root bark extract demonstrated comparative analgesia with pentazocine in hot plate test. At the same dose, it produced a significant (p< 0.05) potentiation of diazepam-induced sleeping time. A significant increase in number of head-dips was demonstrated by E. senegalensis ethanol root bark extract at 150 mg/kg. Conclusion: The study shows that E. senegalensis ethanol root bark extract possesses analgesic, sedative and anxiolytic principles, thus supporting the ethnomedicinal rationale for its uses in management of painful conditions and sleep disturbances. Keywords: Erythrina senegalensis, analgesic, sedative, behavioura
The Potential for DPPIV/CD26 usage as a surrogate marker for Antiretroviral Therapy Efficacy in HIV Infected populations
Full text linkBackground: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) viral load and CD4+ cell counts are the most commonly used markers for monitoring efficacy of anti-retroviral therapy (ART) in HIV infected individuals. The high cost of viral load monitoring limits its usage in resource limited countries, often leaving the use of CD4+ T cell counts as the only alternative. Though cheaper and more readily available, CD4+ cell counts as a measure of detecting treatment failure, is an unreliable predictor of disease progression. Hence, there is a need for more sensitive alternative, but less costly techniques for detecting treatment failure which can be used in resource limited settings. Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of using plasma CD26/Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV) as a novel marker for clinical evaluation of treatment efficacy in HIV infected children. Method: Blood samples collected from HIV+ children (n=76) before and after initiation on ART, were assessed for HIV RNA (viral load), CD4+ T-cell count and DPPIV/CD26 levels. Viral load levels were analyzed using Roche Amplicor HIV-1 Monitor Test kit; CD4+ T-Cell Counts were analyzed using BD FACS Calibur flow cytometer while DPPIV/CD 26 levels were analyzed using Human DPPIV/CD26 Quantikine ELISA kit (R&D Systems, Minneapolis MN). Results: The plasma DPPIV/CD26 levels increased significantly in children after ART initiation (p = 0.017), while the viral load levels declined after ART initiation with subsequent CD4+ cell counts increase. The DPPIV/CD 26 increase positively correlated with viral load decrease while negatively correlating to the CD4+ cell count increase. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate an inverse relationship between DPPIV/CD26 levels and HIV viral load and the direct proportionality of CD4+ Cell counts and DPPIV/CD26 levels, suggesting potential for use of DPPIV/CD26 as a surrogate marker for evaluating HIV disease progression in children receiving anti-retroviral therapy. Key words: CD26/Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV), ELISA, Surrogate marker, Viral Load, CD4 Count, antiretroviral
Gastroprotective Effects of the Aqueous Seed Extract of Entada gigas (Linn.) Fawc. and Rendle (Fabaceae) in Ulcer Models in Rats
Full text linkBackground: The extract of Entada gigas Linn. (Fabaceae) is used for the treatment of ulcer in Nigerian local medicine. Objectives: This study investigated the gastroprotective effects of the aqueous seed extract of E. gigas on gastric ulcers in rats. Methodology: The ethanol- (EIU), pylorus ligation- (PLIU) and cold restraint stress (CRSIU)-induced ulcer models were used. The aqueous seed extract was administered at doses of 50-400 mg/kg p.o. Estimations of gastric content volume, pH and titratable acidity in PLIU test and ulcer score/index in all models were done. Results: In the EIU test, E. gigas produced significant reduction (p < 0.05) in ulcer scores, with peak effect elicited at 100 mg/kg (2.30 ± 0.99; 87.22% inhibition), compared with control (10.80 ± 0.80). This effect was comparable to that of misoprostol (3.00 ± 1.31; 83.33% inhibition). In the PLIU test, the extract caused significant reduction (p < 0.05) in the ulcer score compared with control (6.30 ± 0.70). Peak effect was elicited at the dose of 200 mg/kg (ulcer score 2.90 ± 0.83; 63.17%). This effect was comparable to that of cimetidine (2.60 ± 0.93; 66.98%). Also, the extract at 50 and 200 mg/kg, and cimetidine 100 mg/kg (0.24 ± 0.07, 1.06 ± 0.22 and 1.02 ± 0.16 mL/4 h, respectively) significantly reduced (p < 0.05) the volume of gastric content relative to control (2.32 ± 0.33 mL/4 h). In the CRSIU test, E. gigas caused significant reduction (p < 0.05) in the ulcer score, with the greatest effect produced at the dose of 50 mg/kg (0.80 ± 0.49; 92.38% inhibition), relative to control (4.20 ± 0.64). This effect was comparable to that of misoprostol (1.40 ± 0.60; 80% inhibition). Conclusion: The aqueous seed extract of E. gigas possess significant antiulcer activity mediated via cytoprotective and anti-secretory mechanisms. Keywords: Entada gigas, Fabaceae, ulcer, gastroprotective effect, cytoprotective, anti-secretory
An Evaluation Of Accounting Information System And Performance Of Small Scale Enterprises In Kwara State, Nigeria
Full text linkPrior traditional accounting method of manually inputting and recording dailytransactions has become inefficient if small businesses want to remain competitive andsurvive. The objective of the study was to find out if accounting information systeminfluences the performance of small and medium scale enterprise and whether it also aidsaccess to finance. A survey design was used. A usable sample of one hundred and fifty threerespondents out of a population of one hundred and fifty-four (154) was considered. Thetype of data used for this research was the primary data through the administration ofquestionnaire. Data was presented by the use of frequency tables and ordered logisticregressions. The findings from the study revealed that accounting information systemsignificantly influences the performance of small and medium scale enterprises (LRstatistics = 36.28, p < 0.05). Similarly, the study showed that the adoption of a computerizedaccounting information system improves the ability of small scale enterprises to securefunds from financial institutions (LR statistics = 31.12, p < 0.05). It was concluded thataccounting information systems would significantly influence the performance of small andmedium scale enterprises. Therefore, it was recommended that SMEs that adoptcomputerized accounting information system should ensure that the level ofcomputerization improves in line with current level of advancement in technology
REFLECTIONS ON ORGANISATIONAL LEADERSHIP ON IMPLEMENTATION OF ELECTRONIC PROJECT MONITORING INFORMATION SYSTEM IN PUBLIC TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN KENYA
Full text linkThe principal objective of the study reported in this article was to empirically assesson the influence of organisational leadership on the implementation of Electronic ProjectMonitoring Information System (e-ProMIS) in Public Tertiary Institutions in Kenya. The populationof the study comprised members of staff from public tertiary institutions in Kenya. A sample of 210members of staff was selected using stratified and simple random sampling techniques.Questionnaire with both open and closed-ended items with Likert-type interval scale anchored on afive point scale was used to collect data. Descriptive statistics showthe overall mean fororganisational leadership in Public Tertiary Institutions in Kenya was 2.53 and standard deviationof 0.51. The most dominant leadership style is transactional leadership (M=2.75, SD=0.66) whiletransformational leadership has (M=2.45, SD=0.59). Results from inferential statistics indicatethat r is equal to 0.515, implying that organisational leadership has a moderately strong influenceon implementation of e-ProMIS. The value of R squared is 0.296, indicating that organisationalleadership explains 29.6% of the variation in the implementation of electronic project monitoringinformation system in public tertiary institutions in Kenya. The 7 coefficient of transformationalleadership style is 0.315 while that of transactional leadership style is 0.360. These results indicatethat transactional leadership had a stronger influence than transformational leadership onimplementation of e-ProMIS. The findings for both transactional and transformational leadershipstyles were statistically significant with coefficients ((7=0.315, t=4.524, p=0.000<0.05) and(7=0.360, t=5.075, p=0.000<0.05) respectively. This implies that every unit change inimplementation of e-ProMIS is associated with 31.5% changes in transformational leadership and36.0% changes in transactional leadership. The overall F statistics was (2,159) =33.410 at level ofsignificance p = 0.000<0.05 suggesting that there was a statistically significant relationshipbetween organisational leadership and implementation of electronic project monitoring informationsystem in public tertiary institutions in Kenya
MARKETING PRACTICES, MARKET ORIENTATION AND PERFORMANCE OF TOUR FIRMS IN KENYA: A MEDIATED APPROACH
Full text linkABSTRACT The study objectives was to assess the mediating effect of marketing practices on therelationship between market orientation and performance of tour firms in Kenya. Extant literaturesuggests that the relationship between market orientation and firm performance may be mediated.While the conceptual arguments for such a relationship are well established, empirical evidence onthe precise nature of this link has been both limited and ambiguous. The current study providesfurther evidence on the positive links between market orientation and firm performance through amediated approach. The study population comprised 104 tour firms registered with KenyaAssociation of Tour Operators. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was used. Primary data werecollected using semi-structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics,inferential statistics and regression analysis. The results of the study revealed a mediating effect ofmarketing practices on the market orientation and firm performance relationship. Specifically, theresults show that marketing practices partially mediate the market orientation and firmperformance relationship as R2 increased from .307 to .634. The regression coefficient reducedfrom .575 to .572 and was statistically significant at 0.05 level of significance. The study offeredfurther credence into the positive relationship between market orientation, marketing practices andperformance through a mediation approach in Kenyan tour firms.Keywords: Marketing practices, market orientation, tourism, tour firms, firm performanc
Rural Women’s Perspectives on Marriage and Related Issues: Analysis of Personal Narratives from Kenyan Women
Full text linkAbstract This paper is based on personal stories as told by Kenyan women. The stories were compiled by the author in 2001 and 2002when interviewing Kenyans on their views regarding the new constitution. The paper identifies issues raised by women during the women only sessions which focused on the women’s personal lives in the context of marriage, polygamy, motherhood and experiences of domestic violence, among others. The paper is guided by the feminist theoretical perspective which argues that if you want to know about women, you should start with women, for they know. African feminism also argues that though the struggle for women’s liberation is a struggle that all should engage in, including the state, policy makers both men and women must set the pace and lead the struggle. It is they who will define what marriage is for them, whether polygamy is a desired arrangement and say no to domestic violence. It is the women who must clear the path that they, the men, and the African communities must walk on their journey towards more women friendly societies. The paper focuses on: marriage, the place of the first wife in polygamous marriages, motherhood, widowhood and domestic violence. The author concludes that feminist research is bringing new knowledge and perspectives to the traditional African view on the institution of marriage and mapping the paths towards new societies. Key words: Marriage, Motherhood, Polygamy, Feminist Theory, African Feminism, Constitution, Patriarchy
THE STRATEGIC RESPONSE TO SOCIAL CHANGES BY CATHOLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF NAIROBI, KENYA
Full text linkABSTRACT strategic responses are the set of decisions and actions that result in the formulationand implementation of plans designed to achieve a firm’s objectives. It is thus a reaction to what ishappening in the organization’s environment as part of competitive strategies that organizationsdevelop in defining their goals and policies. The external environment is the set of variables as inthe PEST analysis that is political, economic, social and technological. The social dimensioncaptures how consumers in households and/or communities behave and their beliefs. For instance,change in attitude towards formal education, or greater numbers of people seeking formal jobplacements in a population. In particular, businesses are influenced by consumer attitude andbehavior which depend on such factors as age, structure of population and nature of job andleisure, which are in turn influenced by available disposable income and upcoming needs in thewider system, continued positive attitude and acceptability towards formal education and formaljobs. These are characterized by growing competition and available opportunities in the jobmarket, changing life styles from rural and farming to urban and formal jobs. Another key factor isthe HIV and Aids pandemic that has left orphans who need help to make a livelihood. This calls fora strategic response to all these social changes. The research design that was used was crosssectional survey in which a statistically significant sample of a population is used to estimate therelationship between an outcome of interest and population variables as they exist at one particulartime. The sampling technique was stratified samples, with geographical divisions forming thestrata. The sample consisted of 20% of all secondary schools in the Archdiocese of Nairobi. Thiswas a total of 19 schools, 5 in Nairobi, 7 in Kiambu, and 7 in Thika/Gatundu. The data type that theresearch collected was qualitative data from the category questions that sought to get therespondents response to questions on the variables. The research also had quantitative data,answers to variables like number of intake, increase in numbers in formal education, costs, andincrease in enrollment of other religions in the schools. The questionnaire were administered to theprincipal/ Head Teacher; the deputy head teacher; one member of the teaching staff and the head ofthe guidance and counseling department. The objective of this study was to determine the strategicresponse to social changes by Catholic secondary schools in the Archdiocese of Nairobi over thelast ten years. From the findings, yes the Catholic secondary schools in the Archdiocese of Nairobihave responded to the social changes in the environment in a strategic manner. They havecontinuously expanded to accommodate more students; new schools have also been built to caterfor growing numbers seeking formal education. The schools have also made the performance in thestandard eight national exams the main focus when admitting students which gives moreopportunity to all who qualify. The schools have also been admitting students regardless of religionor family income and supporting them uniformly. The guidance and counseling, religious formationin school and HIV programs have been implemented to enhance an all-round development of theyoung student. Majority of the schools have orphans or even HIV infected students they aresupporting since this is a reality affecting all organization with these institutions of learning not exempted. The study recommendations to policy include; To the ministry of education; from thestipulated recommendations the teacher: student ratio should be 1:30. The study however found thisratio to be 1: 45 on average in a majority of schools. More teachers need to be trained anddeployed to these institutions; To the government through the ministry of education; there is need towork on national cohesion by sending students from different cultural backgrounds to same schoolswhich will contribute to cohesion and respect and acceptance across cultures; To the school heads,parents and the education secretariat; more needs to be done in reaching out to the studentsespecially helping build a moral fabric. The dropout rate is quite high with an average of 65% ofform one enrolment getting to sit the form four final examination
The safety of Kigelia africana on pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes in Sprague-Dawley rats
Full text linkBackground: Kigelia africana, belongs to the family of Bignoniaceae. It has been used commonly in folk medicine to energise and improve fertility in both males and females. Decoctions of Kigelia africana are taken as abortifacients. Therefore, there is need to scientifically substantiate and validate these claims. Objective: This study was carried out to determine the effect of Kigelia africana on pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes in Sprague-Dawley rats. Methodology: Twenty female adult Sprague-Dawley rats divided into 4 groups (N=5) were used. Rats were mated on proestrus with males of proven fertility. Spermatocytes in the vaginal smear confirmed pregnancy. Kigelia africana was given at 100, 300 and 500 mg/kg bodyweight daily from the 1st to 20th day of pregnancy while control rats received distilled water. Rats were anaesthetized with ketamine on day 20 of pregnancy and a ventral laparotomy was performed. Foetuses were removed and parameters taken. The uterus was excised and assayed for antioxidant activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and malondialdehyde, an index of lipid peroxidation. Result: Significant increases were observed in crown-rump length, tail length and litter size. Superoxide dismutase activities increased significantly while significant reductions were recorded in malondialdehyde levels. In addition, uterine weights increased in the treated groups compared with the control. Conclusion: Kigelia africana is uterothrophic and is safe with no deleterious effect on pregnancy and the foetuses in Sprague-Dawley rats. Keywords: Kigelia africana, pregnancy, malondialdehyde, catalase, superoxide dismutase
Patient factors impacting on oral anticoagulation therapy among adult outpatients in a Kenyan referral hospital
Full text linkBackground: Patients’ factors such as knowledge on warfarin use are important in achieving desirable anticoagulation outcomes. Objective: To assess the patient factors impacting on oral anticoagulation control among adult outpatients taking warfarin at Kenyatta National Hospital. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey of 147out-patients on warfarin at Kenyatta National Hospital was carried out between March and April 2015. Data were collected using a pre-designed interviewer administered questionnaire. The data included patient characteristics such as indication and duration of anticoagulation; knowledge on anticoagulation; and international normalized ratio tests. The Oral Anticoagulation Knowledge test was used with a score of ≥75% indicating sufficient knowledge. Logistic regression was used to determine independent variables associated with anticoagulation control. Results: Females were majority (74.9%) while optimal anticoagulation control was at 43.5%. Only 10.1% had sufficient knowledge on anticoagulation. Anticoagulation knowledge scores were associated with marital status (p=0.015), education level (p=0.014) and indication (p=0.032). Independent predictors of poor anticoagulation were female gender (p=0.011) and lower education level (p=0.005). Optimal anticoagulation control was, however, not associated with knowledge on anticoagulation (p=0.794). Conclusion: Knowledge and control of anticoagulation among the patients are poor. Female gender and lower education level were predictors of poor anticoagulation. Provision of information on anticoagulation to patients on was warfarin is recommended. Key words: Knowledge, Warfarin, Anticoagulation, International normalized rati