A cross-country and country-specific modelling of stock market performance, bank development and global equity index in emerging market economies: A case of BRICS countries.

This study investigated in cross-country and panel form the interactions of bank development, stock market development and global equity index, focusing on the BRICS countries covering the period 1990 to 2018. We found a bidirectional causation between bank development (CPSGDP) and stock market performance as proxied by the depth of the markets (MCAPGDP) in the BRICS countries. Cointegration was also found using the panel cointegration framework and the bounds test for the ARDL estimators. This largely proves that a long-run relationship of both direct and reverse nature exists between bank development and stock market performance. For the bank development and market performance models respectively, all the error-correction terms were found to be negatively significant, indicating that they both share dynamic profile and adjust appreciably to deviations from equilibrium between the short run and the long run. The global equity index showed that stock market development interacts more with the global financial environment than bank development in the BRICS countries. Our findings support the complementarity and coevolution hypothesis in the stock market and bank development nexus.

Hesperidin ameliorates hepatic dysfunction and dyslipidemia in male Wistar rats exposed to cadmium chloride.

The ever-increasing human population with attendant industrialization poses serious global health challenge. Cadmium (Cd) with other heavy metals contribute greatly to environmental pollutions and humans are daily exposed to them, leading to diverse ailments. We explored whether Hesperidin (HSP) could protect against hepatic damage and dyslipidemia in Wistar rats exposed to Cd. Forty wistar rats were randomly assigned into five groups (n = 8). Group 1 received 2 mL/kg body weight of normal saline; Group 2 received 100 mg/kg body weight of HSP while Group 3 received 5 mg/kg body weight of Cadmium Chloride (CdCl2) for 28 days. Group 4 received 100 mg/kg body weight of HSP and after 90 min, CdCl2 (5 mg/kg) body weight was administered for 28 days. Group 5 received 50 mg/kg body weight of HSP and after 90 min, CdCl2 (5 mg/kg) body weight was administered for 28 days. The serum lipid profiles, hepatic dysfunction and oxidative stress markers were determined using standard methods. Cd toxicity in rats prominently elevated serum activities of AST, ALT, ALP and levels of total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, cholesterol, LDL-C and malondialdehyde with decreased levels of HDL-C, triglycerides, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione and body weights. The pre-treatment of HSP before Cd intoxication prevented the dysregulated activities of liver enzymes and levels of lipid profiles, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants and other biomarkers investigated, thus suggesting anti-hyperlipidemic and hepato-protective potentials. HSP may have great potentials for development of therapeutics that could enhance the management of dyslipidemia and liver disorders associated with heavy metal exposure.

Body size preference among Yoruba in three Nigerian communities.

Following our previous observation of an aversion to weight reduction in Nigerians with type 2 diabetes, we measured several parameters of body dimensions and preferences in otherwise healthy adults in three communities to study the phenomenon further. The study population of 524 participants (304 F) was 99.8% of Yoruba ethnic origin with a mean age of 43.9 ± 17.2 years. Females had a significantly (p > 0.001) higher body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, hip circumference compared to the males; the values being 24.55 ± 5.5 vs. 21.75 ± 3.71 kg/m(2); 84.98 ± 12.67 vs. 80.92 ± 9.85 cm; 96.32 ± 12.94 vs. 89.36 ± 8.06 cm, respectively. There was a high level of satisfaction amongst respondents with their body size (Kendall's t = 0.52, p < 0.001) which they also predicted with a high degree of certainty even without the prior use of a weighing scale. The relationship between current body size (CBI) and BMI emerged as CBI = 1.22 + 0.32 BMI. In the 41% of respondents who expressed unhappiness with their current body size, there was a strong aversion for a smaller body size and the preference was often for a bigger body figure. Strikingly, many more women than men were less dissatisfied with their bigger body sizes. Stepwise regression indicated that CBI and gender were the two most important variables that best related to casual blood sugar (RBS) among the factors entered. The mathematical relationship between these variables that emerged was: [Formula: see text] where gender = 0 for male and 1 for female. The results suggest that larger body sizes were positively viewed in these communities consistent with our previous observations in type 2 diabetes.

Chest trauma in a regional tRAUMA centRE.

BACKGROUND: Chest trauma is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Hospital based studies in Nigeria show it predominantly affects the youth in society. Aim & Objectives: To determine the pattern and management outcomes of patient presenting with chest trauma at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a prospective study of 73 consecutive patients managed for chest injuries between January 2008 and February 2009 at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City. RESULTS: A total of 73 patients were enrolled in the study. The mean age was 31.5years and median age of 29years. About 81% of the patients were 42yrs and below while 10% were more than 50yrs old. About 88% of the patients were males while 12% were females giving a male: female ratio of 1:7 Most (56%) of the patients were single. Motor Vehicular Accidents (MVAs) accounted for 52% while 43%% were due to violence or assaults. Motorcycle accidents accounted for 15% while Cars, Buses, Vans, Trucks accounted for 37%. Penetrating trauma accounted for 43% of which gunshot wounds accounted for 25%, and stab injuries accounted for 13(18%). About 53% were isolated blunt chest injuries whereas 43% were isolated penetrating chest injuries; 4% of the cases sustained both penetrating and blunt injuries. About 27% presented within an hour of injury, while in all, 95% of the patients presented within 24hours of injury. Diaphragmatic injuries were sustained in 6(8%) patients while cardiac injury was observed in one patient. CONCLUSION: Chest trauma predominantly affects the youth with high morbidity and mortality in this environment. Public enlightenment with prompt and effective treatment will impact positively on this persistent problem.

Mobile phone ownership among Nigerians with diabetes.

BACKGROUND: A survey was undertaken to determine the number of individuals who have access to Mobile phones among those attending our Diabetes clinic in order to explore whether this could replace or become an adjunct to street home address as contact information. METHOD: An observer-based questionnaire was administered to capture parameters of interest at the weekly diabetes clinic in order to answer the survey question RESULTS: 130 individuals aged 15-80 years who attended the clinic in the month of May 2008 were surveyed. Eighty nine (89) patients had active Mobile phone and lines while 70.8% of these were females. Strikingly, 37% percent of the study populations were from across states boundaries and other geographic areas but majority reside in Ilorin metropolis where the facility is based. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that over two thirds of those with diabetes attending the clinic had active Mobile phone line and this could be used as an adjunct to or replace street address as a contact particular between patients and their professional care givers.

Factors Influencing Attitude Towards Kidney Donation for Transplantation in Ilorin

Background: Chronic renal failure (CRF) is a major cause of premature death and morbidity in Nigeria. Majority of patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) are in the productive age bracket. Haemodialysis is the most commonly available mode of renal replacement therapy. The quality of life of the few that can afford the cost of haemodialysis is poor when compared to the transplanted patients. A survey is carried out to assess factors affecting attitudes towards kidney donation in Ilorin; Nigeria. Methods: A total of 600 self administered; semi-structured questionnaires were distributed amongst asymptomatic adults (aged 17years) with a response rate of 88. Data analysis was done using statistical package for social studies (SPSS) version 14. Results: There were 282 males (53.4) and 246 females (46.6) with age range of 17-65years and a mean of 34.76+14.9. Two hundred and ninety two (55) were willing to donate a kidney (165 males; 127 females). Majority of the willing donors (86) were between 30 and 50 years of age. Though educational level positively influenced the knowledge about the kidney failure; it did not influence willingness to donation of a kidney. There was religion related gender disparity in the willingness to donate a kidney as more male Christians and Muslims were willing to donation than their females. Conclusions: The main constraints to kidney donation were fear of surgical pains; belief in life after death and uncertainty of donor outcome. This calls for awareness programmes on the safety of kidney donation for transplantation

Effects of dietary sucrose intake on glycaemic control in Nigerians with type 2 diabetes.

Individuals with type 2 diabetes are routinely advised to abstain from using dietary sugar for fear of aggravating existing diabetic control; yet the supporting evidence for this recommendation is unavailable, hence this study. The objective of this study was to determine whether the use of dietary sucrose can affect diabetic control. Adults with stable type 2 diabetes [monthly fasting blood sugar (FBS) of 0.05) correlation between sucrose intake and FBS. The results suggest that dietary sucrose intake of this amount had no adverse effect on glycaemic control and body weight in individuals with type 2 diabetes over the period of observation.

Urethral fibrosis with pyonephrosis in a patient with situs inversus totalis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Cases of a case of situs inversus totalis are very rare and therefore when encountered, they are likely to be missed or poorly managed. OBJECTIVE: To present a case of situs inversus totalis with a view to creating more awareness about this rare clinical entity. PATIENT AND METHOD: The patient, a 22 year old boy was referred from a private clinic after a failed and complicated attempted appendicectomy carried out by a general medical practitioner. The patient was admitted, resuscitated and had investigations done. Some of the investigations done were abdominal ultrasound scan, computerized axial tomography scan, a chest x ray, complete blood count, urinalysis and electrolyte and urea. RESULTS: Investigations showed features of situs inversus totalis. There was also bilateral hydronephrosis, worse on the right side. The patient also had features of renal failure. He died after three days on admission. Autopsy finding confirmed bilateral pyonephrosis which was worse on the right side. There was associated urethral fibrosis. Cause of death was urethral fibrosis resulting in obstructive uropathy, pyonephrosis and renal failure. CONCLUSION: Situs inverses totalis is rare but can psented in diverse ways and thus the diagnosis may be missed and the patient wrongly managed. A high index of clinical suspicion is required if we the diagnosis is to be made early and wrong treatments avoided.

Gallbladder Carcinoma Unassociated with Cholelithias

Carcinoma of the gallbladder is a rare and often over looked cause of right upper abdominal quadrant pain. Diagnostic delay is common as the clinical features are confused with those of chronic cholecystitis. We report two cases of gallbladder carcinoma not associated with gallstones occurring in two middle-aged women. To our knowledge this is the first report in Nigeria of gallbladder carcinoma unassociated with cholelithiasis. We conclude that there should be a high index of suspicion in patients presenting with weight loss and chronic cholecystitis syndrome

Inadequate control of blood pressure in Nigerians with diabetes.

To observe the extent to which blood pressure (BP) was reduced to below 140/90 mm Hg in Nigerians with diabetes (DM), data were collected using structured questionnaire, standard sphygmomanometer, and measurement of fasting blood glucose (FBG). Two hundred forty-four subjects (85 males) aged 17-84 years with a mean duration of DM of 7.9 years and who regularly attended the clinic for diabetes at least monthly for no less than 6 months were involved. Eleven percent, 13 of the 115 treated hypertensives, had BP controlled to levels below 140/90 mm Hg. Nifedipine was the most frequently prescribed antihypertensive (44.30%), followed by alpha-methyldopa (15.7%) and then the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) captopril and lisinopril (11.3%). Thiazides (9.7%) or thiazide-based fixed combination tablets were prescribed in about 25% of the patients. Eighteen percent were on more than one antihypertensive concurrently and dosages were often at threshold. The majority of the hypertensives with BP below 140/90 mm Hg were on thiazide-based medications. In 152 participants, the presence of hypertension did not affect glycemic control (chi2 = 4.41, df = 2, P = .1) observed and 60% of the entire population had FBC < or = 7.9 mmol/L. Lack of access to care does not explain these findings and suggests an area for improvement. Fortunately, the data also show that thiazides were associated with better control of BP at a cost that was affordable without jeopardizing diabetic control.

Diabetic care in Nigeria: report of a self-audit.

As part of a wider study aimed at establishing baseline data on standard of diabetic care to compare with subsequent reassessment after measures to improve outcomes have been introduced, the case notes of 118 Nigerians (42 males) with diabetes attending a teaching hospital-based diabetic clinic were reviewed to assess the quality of professional care in a year with reference to an international standard of diabetic care. Patient attendance at the clinic averaged about nine times annually and majority of them had been attending the facility for about 6 years. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) was tested four or more times in 92.4% of the patients. The corresponding figures for footcare were 1.7%; referrals for eye, dental, or cardiac examination were 12.7%, while lipid profile, serum creatinine, and urinary protein estimation were documented in 16.9% of the patients. In contrast, high-risk assessment or part of it was documented in all patients, and in 61.9%, high-risk intervention was recorded. The data suggest that the quality of diabetic care was less than optimal, and foot examination and referrals, etc. are specific areas for improvement.

Assessment of health of senior executives in a developing country.

In a study of 202 senior executives, aged 25-64 y, in Benin City, Nigeria, the prevalence rate of hypertension was found to be 34.7%. Blood pressures increased with age for both sexes; however, the men had higher mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure and body mass indices (BMI) than the females. Contributing to this was a high level of inactivity, and diets high in carbohydrate and fat. High-risk social behaviour such as smoking and alcohol consumption was observed. It is recommended that management of the companies concerned put programs into place to assist this group of their workers to maintain a good health status, which will, in turn, improve their productivity.

Taste sensitivity to sodium chloride and sucrose in a group of adolescent children in Northern Nigeria.

In a sub-population of Nigerian children in the southern rain forest of Edo State, we recently observed widespread relative insensitivity to the taste of sodium chloride (NaCl-salt). This prompted the present study, in which we measured taste recognition threshold to NaCl (30, 60, 120, 180 mM) and sucrose (15, 50, 100, 150 mM) in a group of fifth-and sixth-grade pupils in the northeastern semi-Sahel part of Nigeria, in order to observe the extent to which the findings cited above would apply to similar groups of Nigerians with different ethnic backgrounds in other parts of the country. Three hundred twenty-eight pupils (149 boys, 179 girls) from 9 to 18 years of age were involved. Five subjects were taste-blind to the highest concentration (180 mM) of NaCl. In addition, 44.5% of the study population did not taste NaCl until a concentration of 60 mm or higher was used. This distribution was influenced neither by gender (x2 = 2.75, df = 3, P = .43) nor age (r = .029, P = .60). In addition, only 33% of the population recognized sucrose sweetness at a sucrose concentration of 15 mm or lower. The remaining two-thirds of the population had sucrose threshold values of 50 mm or higher and neither gender (x2 = 3.09, df = 3, P = .379) nor age (r = .046, P = .41) influenced these findings. These results substantiate our earlier observations that relative taste insensitivity to salt (NaCl) may be common in Nigerian children. When compared to our earlier data, these results indicate that taste insensitivity to NaCl and sucrose may be more common in children in the northern parts of the country, thus suggesting that geographic location and ethnicity may be important variables in taste perception of NaCl and sucrose in adolescent Nigerians.

Blood pressure profile in Nigerian children.

OBJECTIVE: To observe blood pressure (BP) pattern and its correlates in primary school children of northern Nigeria. DESIGN: Sitting BP and pulse were measured in quadruplicate, then repeated after four weeks in 1,721 healthy children aged five to 16 years. Body weight and height were also measured in their school environment. SETTING: Primary schools located in three communities in Zaria Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State, Nigeria. The communities were Tudun Wada (University community of migrants with some indigenous Hausa settlers), Zaria City (traditional Hausa community) and Zaria Kewaye (a rural Hausa settlement). RESULTS: BP rose with age. However, BP levels particularly systolic was highest in children from Tudun Wada (TW) (urban), followed by those from Zaria city (ZC) (semi urban), and Zaria Kewaye (ZK) (rural). The mean systolic/diastolic BP (mmHg) were: 99/61, 94/62 and 89/60 in children aged five to ten years; and 112/69, 109/68 and 107/68 in those older than 10 years respectively. The differences in BP levels were evident even as early as the age of five years and appears largely independent of physical stature and gender. CONCLUSION: These observations suggest that place of residence and ethnicity may be important factors in the progression of BP with age in some children in northern Nigeria.

Overlap in the pharmacology of L-type Ca2+-channel blockers and 5-HT2 receptor antagonists in rat aorta.

We have previously shown that elimination of buffer Ca2+ markedly reduced maximum 5-HT-induced contractions. We have now investigated the effect of L-type Ca2+-channel blockers and 5-HT2 receptor antagonists on 5-HT- and K+-induced contractions in rat aorta to explore the possibility of a relationship between blockade of L-type Ca2+ channels and 5-HT2 receptor antagonism. Sodium nitroprusside, felodipine, nifedipine, diltiazem, cinnarizine, verapamil, ritanserin, cyproheptadine, ketanserin and mianserin inhibited 5-HT-induced contractions of rat aorta with mean IC50 values (concentration (M) resulting in 50% inhibition) of 2.2 x 10(-11), 6.6 x 10(-11), 1.5 x 10(-9), 1.7 x 10(-9), 3.2 x 10(-7), 5.4 x 10(-7), 9.7 x 10(-10), 1.9 x 10(-8), 5.0 x 10(-7) and 6.4 x 10(-7), respectively. The same compounds antagonized K+-induced rat aortic contractions with the rank order of potency (mean IC50, M): felodipine (7.0 x 10(-11)) > nifedipine (4.8 x 10(-9)) > sodium nitroprusside (4.1 x 10(-8)) > verapamil (5.5 x 10(-8)) > cyproheptadine (6.2 x 10(-8)) > diltiazem (4.1 x 10(-7)) > cinnarizine (1.3 x 10(-6)) > ritanserin (1.8 x 10(-6)) > ketanserin (9.0 x 10(-6)) > mianserin (2.0 x 10(-5)). These data are indicative of a highly significant correlation (r=0.81, P=0.03) between potency against 5-HT-induced contraction and that against contractile response to K+ depolarization, and suggest overlap of the pharmacology of L-type Ca2+-channel blockers and 5-HT2 receptor antagonists in rat aorta.

Gastric tuberculosis: unusual presentations in two patients.

We report two cases of gastric tuberculosis (TB) in Nigerians. The first case concerns an elderly man initially thought to have abdominal malignancy but was subsequently found to have extensive and complicated gastric TB coexisting with chronic peptic ulcer disease. The second case involved the extremely rare condition of gastro-bronchial fistula in a young woman. In contrast to previously reported cases, it was of tuberculous origin and pulmonary symptoms were minimal. Both cases were radiologically evident.