Impact of Deregulation on Financial Sector Development in Nigeria

The financial system in an economy is known to serve as the lubricant which facilitates the smooth running of the economy. The Nigeria financial sector has undergone several reforms since 1987 when the Structural Adjustment Programme was introduced. This paper investigates the impact of these reforms on the development of the sector using correlation analysis and Granger Causality test. The result obtained showed that deregulation has failed to enhance the development of the financial sector. It is therefore, suggested that the supervisory authorities should be strengthened to enhance people’s confidence in the sector; so that the sector can perform its intermediation role effectively.Keywords: Financial reforms, Financial sector, Deregulation, and Nigeria JEL Classification: E 58, G18, G28International Journal of Development and Management Review (INJODEMAR) Vol. 7 June, 201

Renal and hepatic profiles in Nigerian multidrug resistant tuberculosis patients with or without HIV co-infection

Tuberculosis (TB) is primarily a lung disease (pulmonary tuberculosis, PTB) but the bacilli can also  develop in other places in the body, such as the bones, liver and kidney as extra pulmonary tuberculosis. Hepatic and renal involvements in PTB patients are mostly secondary to TB chemotherapy that is  potentially hepato- and nephro- toxic. In this study, the biochemical parameters that indicate renal and hepatic involvements were analyzed in the sera of MDR-TB patients with and without HIV co-infection prior to commencement of chemotherapy. Out of 115 MDR-TB patients (76 males and 39 females) recruited for the study, 22 patients (11 males and 11 females) were co-infected with HIV. Serum levels of sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), chloride (Cl-) were analyzed using Easylite (ISE technology),   bicarbonate (HCO3-) was analysed using back titration method, urea and creatinine were determined spectrophotometrically using Diacetlymonoxime (DAM) method and Jaffe’s alkaline picrate method  respectively. Total and direct bilirubin, serum glutamate oxaloacetate transferase (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transferase (SGPT), alkaine phosphatase(ALP), total protein (TP) and albumin (Alb) were determined using Hitachi 912 autoanalyzer. There were no statistical significant differences in the renal and hepatic parameters of TB patients with HIV compared with TB patients without HIV. However, significantly higher proportions (89%) of MDR-TB patients had their SGOT within reference range. The mean values indicate that HIV infection did not significantly alter renal and hepatic profiles inMDR-TB patients prior to treatment. LES PROFILS RENALS ET HEPATIQUES DANS MULTIRESISTANTE PATIENTS TUBERCULEUXNIGERIANS AVEC OU SANS CO – INFECTION PAR LE VIH.La tuberculose est principalement une maladie du poumon (Tuberculeuse pulmonaire TBP) mais les bacilles peuvent être également se développer dans d’autres endroits dans le corps, tels que les os, le foie et les reins comme la tuberculose extra pulmonaire. L’atteinte hépatique et rénale chez les patients atteints de TBP est surtout secondaire a la chimiothérapie de la tuberculose(TB) qui est potentiellement hépato – et néphro – toxique. Dans cette étude, les paramètres biochimiques qui indiquent les  implications rénales et hépatiques ont été analyses dans les sérums des patients atteints de MDR – TB avec ou sans Co – infection par le VIH avant le commencement de la chimiothérapie. Sur les 115 patients atteints de MDR – TB (76 males et femelles), recrutés pour l’étude, 22 patients (11 males et femelles) ont été co – infectes par le VIH. Le niveau sérique de sodium (Na⁺), de potassium (K⁺), le chlorure(C1⁻) ont été analyses en utilisant Easylite(technologie ISE), le bicarbonate (HC0₃⁻) a été analyse en utilisant la méthode de titrage de retour, l’urée et de la créatinine ont été déterminés spectrophotométrie rn utilisant la méthode Diacétyle monoxime(DAM) et la méthode de picrate alcaline de Jaffer respectivement. Bilirubine totale et directe, glutamate oxaloacetate transférase sérique(SGOT), transférase sérique de glutamate pyruvate(SGPT), phosphatase alcaline(ALP), protéines totale(TP) et albumine(Alb) ont été déterminés en utilisant Hitachi 912 autoa nalyseur. Il n’ ya pas de différence statistiquement significative dans les paramètres rénales et hépatiques des patients tuberculeux vivant avec ke VIH par rapport aux patients atteints de tuberculose sans VIH. Néanmoins, les proportions significativement élevées (89%) des patients atteints de MDR – TB ont eu leurs SGOT a porté de référence. Les valeurs moyennes indiquent que l’infection par le VIH n’a pas modifié significativement les profils rénaux et hépatiques chez les patients de TB – MRD.Mots – clés : Les reins, le foie, l’électrolyte, la tuberculose, Virus de l’immunodéficience humaine, Co – infection.Key words: Kidney, Liver, Electrolytes, Tuberculosis, Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Co-infection

An Alternative Choice in Heighting

Comparison of orthometric heights obtained from the combination of GPS/Levelling survey method with that obtained from Lidar, Srtm, and Astergdem data is an area of research which is of great interest to Geomaticians. This area of research makes possible the discovery of other suitable methods of determining orthometric height which can be selected for use depending on the region, extent and nature of the terrain where the project is to be executed.The X, Y, Z coordinates and the geoidal heights for all the existing controls within university of Lagos were determined using the GPS/ Levelling survey method, the required orthometric height (H) was then obtained as the differences between ellipsoidal and geoidal heights. Extracting orthometric heights for the X and Y coordinates of observed control points overlaid on each of Lidar, Srtm and Astergdem required the use of spatial analysis tool in an arc map environment. From the profile plot (Figure 3.5) of all the orthometric heights, the heights relationship was easy established. From the descriptive statistics test (Table 3.4), the one way ANOVAs test at 1% and 5% level of significance (Table 3.8), the number of points in other methods whose orthometric height is closed to that of Levelling/GPS method (Table 3.7) and correlation test on the various orthometric heights obtained (Table 3.5) it is obvious that all the applied methods operates at different spatial resolutions, of all the four methods, GPS/Levelling method was the most reliable and most accurate method followed by lidar method, then by astergdem method and Srtm has the least. In a nutshell, Orthometric heights generated by method of Lidar are very close to that generated by GPS/Levelling method at several stations, thus method of Lidar was considered as the most suitable alternative to GPS/Levelling method, whenever the use of later method cannot be easily accomplished.

Redoks-ravnoteža i metabolički odgovori gravidnih ovaca u različitim razdobljima sušne sezone u tropskim krajevima

The study investigated the influence of ambient temperature and gestation on the redox homeostasis and metabolic profile of Yankasa ewes during the dry season in a tropical savannah. Ten ewes were synchronised and bred at early-dry season and lambed during the late-dry season, so that each sampling period corresponded to different periods of the dry season. Thermal environmental parameters were recorded during the morning and afternoon hours. Blood samples were collected from the ewes at pre-, early (cold-dry) -, mid- (early hot-dry) and late-gestation (late hot-dry), week 3 (late hot-dry) and week 2 prepartum (late hot-dry); and postpartum (late hot-dry). Serum samples were analysed for malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), thyroid hormones, cholesterol, triglycerides, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), alanine aminotransferase (AST), aspartate aminotransferase (ALT), creatinine and urea. The highest average ambient temperature was obtained at mid-gestation. Mid-gestation was characterised by significantly (P<0.05) higher MDA and NEFA levels, but lower SOD, GPx and T3 level. The AST and ALT activities were lower (P<0.05) at pre- and early-gestation than at prepartum and postpartum. Urea concentration was higher (P<0.05) at postpartum than early-gestation. Discriminant analysis revealed a higher level of misclassification of parameters between pre-gestation, late-gestation, prepartum and postpartum, but no classification error occurred during early- and mid-gestation. In conclusion, the ewes were more stressed at mid-gestation than any other stage of the gestation. Therefore, measures to mitigate the adverse impact of high ambient temperature on the dam should be adopted to prevent the occurrence of pregnancy-related disorders during the season.Cilj je ovoga istraživanja bio ustanoviti utjecaj temperature okoliša i gravidnosti na redoks-homeostazu i metabolički profil ovaca pasmine Yankasa za vrijeme sušne sezone u tropskim savanama. Spolni ciklus deset ovaca je sinkroniziran nakon čega su pripuštene u početku sušne sezone, a zatim su ojanjene na kraju sušne sezone. Uzorci su uzimani u različitim razdobljima sušne sezone. Temperature okoliša zabilježene su u jutarnjim i poslijepodnevnim satima. Uzorci krvi uzeti su prije gravidnosti, u vrijeme rane gravidnosti (hladnog i suhog vremena), srednje gravidnosti (na početku vruće i suhe sezone) i kasne gravidnosti (na kraju vruće i suhe sezone), tri tjedna prije janjenja (na kraju vruće i suhe sezone) i dva tjedna prije janjenja (na kraju vruće i suhe sezone) te poslije janjenja (na kraju vruće i suhe sezone). U uzorcima su analizirani malondialdehid (MDA), superoksidna dismutaza (SOD), katalaza i glutation-peroksidaza (GPx), hormoni štitne žlijezde, kolesterol, trigliceridi, neesterificirane masne kiseline (NEFA), alanin-aminotransferaza (AST), aspartat-aminotransferaza (ALT), kreatin i urea. Najveća prosječna temperatura okoliša bila je u vrijeme srednje gravidnosti. U vrijeme srednje gravidnosti zabilježene su znakovito veće (P<0,05) vrijednosti MDA-a i NEFA-e te niže vrijednosti SOD-a, GPx-a i T3. Vrijednosti AST-a i ALT-a bile su niže (P<0,05) u vrijeme prije gravidnosti i u vrijeme rane gravidnosti negoli u vrijeme prije janjenja i poslije janjenja. Diskriminacijska analiza pokazala je veću razinu pogrešnog razvrstavanja pokazatelja između predgravidnosti, kasne gravidnosti, razdoblja prije janjenja i poslije janjenja, ali nije bilo pogreške u razvrstavanju za vrijeme rane i srednje gravidnosti. Zaključeno je da su ovce pod većim stresom u vrijeme srednje gravidnosti negoli u drugim razdobljima gravidnosti. Zbog toga, trebalo bi provesti mjere koje bi ublažile nepovoljan utjecaj visoke temperature okoliša na ovce kako bi se spriječila pojava poremećaja gravidnosti za vrijeme sušne sezone

Use of population input functions for reduced scan duration whole-body Patlak F-18-FDG PET imaging

Abstract: Whole-body Patlak images can be obtained from an acquisition of first 6 min of dynamic imaging over the heart to obtain the arterial input function (IF), followed by multiple whole-body sweeps up to 60 min pi. The use of a population-averaged IF (PIF) could exclude the first dynamic scan and minimize whole-body sweeps to 30–60 min pi. Here, the effects of (incorrect) PIFs on the accuracy of the proposed Patlak method were assessed. In addition, the extent of mitigating these biases through rescaling of the PIF to image-derived IF values at 30–60 min pi was evaluated. Methods: Using a representative IF and rate constants from the literature, various tumour time-activity curves (TACs) were simulated. Variations included multiplication of the IF with a positive and negative gradual linear bias over 60 min of 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25% (generating TACs using an IF different from the PIF); use of rate constants (K 1, k 3, and both K 1 and k 2) multiplied by 2, 1.5, and 0.75; and addition of noise (μ = 0 and σ = 5, 10 and 15%). Subsequent Patlak analysis using the original IF (representing the PIF) was used to obtain the influx constant (K i) for the differently simulated TACs. Next, the PIF was scaled towards the (simulated) IF value using the 30–60-min pi time interval, simulating scaling of the PIF to image-derived values. Influence of variabilities in IF and rate constants, and rescaling the PIF on bias in K i was evaluated. Results: Percentage bias in K i observed using simulated modified IFs varied from − 16 to 16% depending on the simulated amplitude and direction of the IF modifications. Subsequent scaling of the PIF reduced these K i biases in most cases (287 out of 290) to < 5%. Conclusions: Simulations suggest that scaling of a (possibly incorrect) PIF to IF values seen in whole-body dynamic imaging from 30 to 60 min pi can provide accurate Ki estimates. Consequently, dynamic Patlak imaging protocols may be performed for 30–60 min pi making whole-body Patlak imaging clinically feasible

The Cashless Policy in Nigeria: Prospects and Challenges

Abstract In Nigeria as it is in many developin

International Standards for Fetal Brain Structures Based on Serial Ultrasound Measurements From the Fetal Growth Longitudinal Study of the INTERGROWTH-21 st Project

Objective: To create prescriptive growth standards for five fetal brain structures, measured by ultrasound, from healthy, well-nourished women, at low risk of impaired fetal growth and poor perinatal outcomes, taking part in the Fetal Growth Longitudinal Study (FGLS) of the INTERGROWTH-21st Project. Methods: This was a complementary analysis of a large, population-based, multicentre, longitudinal study. We measured, in planes reconstructed from 3-dimensional (3D) ultrasound volumes of the fetal head at different time points in pregnancy, the size of the parieto-occipital fissure (POF), Sylvian fissure (SF), anterior horn of the lateral ventricle (AV), atrium of the posterior ventricle (PV) and cisterna magna (CM). The sample analysed was randomly selected from the overall FGLS population, ensuring an equal distribution amongst the eight diverse participating sites and of 3D ultrasound volumes across pregnancy (range: 15 - 36 weeks\u27 gestation). Fractional polynomials were used to the construct standards. Growth and development of the infants were assessed at 1 and 2 years of age to confirm their adequacy for constructing international standards. Results: From the entire FGLS cohort of 4321 women, 451 (10.4%) were randomly selected. After exclusions, 3D ultrasound volumes from 442 fetuses born without congenital malformations were used to create the charts. The fetal brain structures of interest were identified in 90% of cases. All structures showed increasing size with gestation and increasing variability for the POF, SF, PV and CM. The 3rd , 5th , 50th , 95th and 97th smoothed centile are presented. The 5th centile of POF and SF were 2.8 and 4.3 at 22 weeks and 4.2 and 9.4mm at 32 weeks respectively. The 95th centile of PV and CM were 8.5 and 7.4 at 22 weeks and 8.5 and 9.4mm at 32 weeks respectively. Conclusions: We have produced prescriptive size standards for fetal brain structures based on prospectively enrolled pregnancies at low risk of abnormal outcomes. We recommend these as international standards for the assessment of measurements obtained by ultrasound from fetal brain structures

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, liver fibrosis, and structural brain imaging: The Cross-Cohort Collaboration

Background and purpose Prior studies reported conflicting findings regarding the association of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and liver fibrosis with measures of brain health. We examined whether NAFLD and liver fibrosis are associated with structural brain imaging measures in middle- and old-age adults. Methods In this cross-sectional study among dementia- and stroke-free individuals, data were pooled from the Offspring and Third Generation cohorts of the Framingham Heart Study (FHS), the Rotterdam Study (RS), and the Study of Health in Pomerania. NAFLD was assessed through abdominal imaging. Transient hepatic elastography (FibroScan) was used to assess liver fibrosis in FHS and RS. Linear regression models were used to explore the relation of NAFLD and liver fibrosis with brain volumes, including total brain, gray matter, hippocampus, and white matter hyperintensities, adjusting for potential confounders. Results were combined using fixed effects meta-analysis. Results In total, 5660 and 3022 individuals were included for NAFLD and liver fibrosis analyses, respectively. NAFLD was associated with smaller volumes of total brain (β = −3.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] = −5.4 to −1.7), total gray matter (β = −1.9, 95% CI = −3.4 to −0.3), and total cortical gray matter (β = −1.9, 95% CI = −3.7 to −0.01). In addition, liver fibrosis (defined as liver stiffness measure ≥8.2 kPa) was related to smaller total brain volumes (β = −7.3, 95% CI = −11.1 to −3.5). Heterogeneity between studies was low. Conclusions NAFLD and liver fibrosis may be directly related to brain aging. Larger and prospective studies are warranted to validate these findings and identify liver-related preventive strategies for neurodegeneration

Machine learning for accurate estimation of fetal gestational age based on ultrasound images

Accurate estimation of gestational age is an essential component of good obstetric care and informs clinical decision-making throughout pregnancy. As the date of the last menstrual period is often unknown or uncertain, ultrasound measurement of fetal size is currently the best method for estimating gestational age. The calculation assumes an average fetal size at each gestational age. The method is accurate in the first trimester, but less so in the second and third trimesters as growth deviates from the average and variation in fetal size increases. Consequently, fetal ultrasound late in pregnancy has a wide margin of error of at least ±2 weeks’ gestation. Here, we utilise state-of-the-art machine learning methods to estimate gestational age using only image analysis of standard ultrasound planes, without any measurement information. The machine learning model is based on ultrasound images from two independent datasets: one for training and internal validation, and another for external validation. During validation, the model was blinded to the ground truth of gestational age (based on a reliable last menstrual period date and confirmatory first-trimester fetal crown rump length). We show that this approach compensates for increases in size variation and is even accurate in cases of intrauterine growth restriction. Our best machine-learning based model estimates gestational age with a mean absolute error of 3.0 (95% CI, 2.9–3.2) and 4.3 (95% CI, 4.1–4.5) days in the second and third trimesters, respectively, which outperforms current ultrasound-based clinical biometry at these gestational ages. Our method for dating the pregnancy in the second and third trimesters is, therefore, more accurate than published methods

Mixed chemical-induced oxidative stress in occupational exposure in Nigerians

Exposure to single chemicals and associated disorders in occupational environments has received significant attention. Understanding these events holds great promise for risk identification, assessment and chemical induced disease prevention. Fifty (50) fasting male workers, age range 18-50 years exposed to chemical mixtures in a works department, mean duration 17.7±10.1 years and 30 controls matched for age, diet, sex and other demographic characteristics except exposure to chemicals were selected. Body mass index (BMI), antioxidant status and other biochemical indices including plasma proteins (total protein) and subsets, albumin and total globulins were determined in plasma. The BMI was similar between chemical workers (exposed) and controls (p&gt;0.05). Uric acid level was significantly higher in the exposed than in the controls (p&lt;0.01) probably in part up regulation to combat oxidative stress. Uric acid was also significantly positively correlated with BMI (r=0.46, p&lt;0.01), probably to match the body chemical burden. Ascorbate was in contrast significantly lower in chemical workers than in controls (p&lt;0.001), reduced by 91% level in controls. Border line inverse correlations between ascorbate, BMI and duration of exposure were evident. Copper (Cu) level, though slightly raised in chemical workers than in controls was not significant (p&gt;0.05). Plasma proteins were significantly lower in chemical workers than in controls (p&lt;0.001). Total globulins was significantly reduced in chemical workers (p&lt;0.01). Other variables did not differ significantly. These data are consistent with the existence of oxidative stress in these chemical workers