Groundwater Quality and Identification of Hydrogeochemical Processes within University of Lagos, Nigeria

Water samples from twenty one boreholes were collected within University of Lagos and analyzed for physical properties, trace elements and cations using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Physical analysis of the samples shows slight acidity and alkalinity with 78% of the samples exceeded recommended standards. They can be classified as fresh water based on TDS and EC. Chloride concentrations fall within water standards in most samples while Al, Na, Pb and Br exceeded recommended standards in most samples. Gibbs plot, relationship between total cations, Na + K, Ca + Mg and Cl showed that all the groundwater samples fall in the water-rock interaction field which suggests that the weathering of rocks and influence of sea water primarily controls the major chemistry of groundwater in the area. Sodium Absorption Ratio (SAR) for all the water samples was less than 10 and excellent for irrigation purpose. Only 33% of water samples were suitable for irrigation based on Soluble Sodium Percentage (SSP) and Magnesium Adsorption Ratio (MAR), whereas based on Kellys Ratios (KR) all the water samples were not good for irrigation purpose having KR greater than 1. Fifty percent of the water samples showed pollution index (PI) above 1 with highest contribution (37.8%) from lead (Pb). Mn, Al, Ni, Fe and As contributed 29.3%, 19.13%, 8.66%, 4.25% and 0.82% respectively.

Performance Characteristics of Pollutants along the Longitudinal Profile of a Subsurface Flow Constructed Wetland Domestic Sewage Treatment Plant in the University of Lagos, Nigeria

The paper reports the findings of a research work carried out to examine the performance and efficiency of a subsurface constructed wetland (SSFCW) for the treatment of domestic sewage in the University of Lagos (Unilag), Nigeria. The removal patterns and efficiencies of the physical, chemical and biological sewage pollutants parameters of domestic waste water generated within Unilag community by the SSFCW were studied. The wastewater was sampled and analysed along the SSFCW from influent (point1) to effluent (point 11). Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) reduced from 471 mg/l to 11.85 mg/l (97.48%), Turbidity reduced from 108.75 HTU to 0.05HTU (99.95%), Manganese reduced from 6.05 mg/l to 0.61 mg/ (89.92%), Nitrate reduced from 27.5 mg/l to 2.0 mg/l (92.73%), Sulphate reduced from 48.5 mg/l to 28 mg/l (42.27%), Iron reduced from 1.13 mg/l to 0.03 mg/l (97.35%), BOD reduced from 73.14 mg/l to 12.8 mg/l (82.5%), and E-coli reduced from 874 MPN/100 ml to 0.15 MPN/100 ml (99.98%). On the other hand, Dissolved Oxygen content increased along the SSFCW from 3.14 mg/l to 7.49 mg/l (138.54%) while the pH improved from slightly acid level of 6.49 to slightly above neutral level of 7.05 (9.3%). All the parameters at effluent point are within the Nigerian Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) acceptable standard. The study concludes that the SSFCW is a cheap, efficient and appropriate technology for the treatment of domestic sewage under tropical conditions.

Facility Mapping of University of Lagos

This paper shows a detailed methodology for creating 2D and 3D visual facility map of the campus. The purpose of this study work is to develop an interactive interface containing the 2 and 3-Dimensional features of all the facilities within the University of Lagos. The spatial attributes of the facilities were collected with the aid of total stations. The most recent Google earth software was used as source of data to produce 2-dimensional facilities of the study area through digitization process. SRTM Digital elevation model image was downloaded from United State Geological Survey website to give the elevation data required for the 3-dimensional representation. All these data were processed with ArcGIS 10.2.1.

Screening of Rodents from Rural Communities of Lagos and Ogun State Nigeria of Lassa Virus RNA

Background: In recent times, there has been an increase in the number of Lassa fever cases resulting from the several episodes of Lassa fever epidemics ravaging Nigeria and other West African countries. The presence of Lassa virus in rodents other than the major reservoir (Mastomys natalensis) has been a public health concern as to the actual burden of the disease. It is therefore of a public health necessity to explore the LASV RNA habouring potential of several species of rodents in endemic as well as non-endemic areas for proper prevention of emergence of outbreaks in non-endemic areas. Objectives: The aim of this study was to detect the presence of LASV RNA in different species of rodents in Ikorodu, Lagos state and Abeokuta, Ogun state. Methods: A total of ninety one (91) rodents were captured from Ikorodu, Lagos State (61 rodents) and Abeokuta, Ogun State (30 rodents), euthanized, bled, and plasma obtained for the detection of LASV RNA by Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction. Results: A total of 91 rodents consisting of 77 Rattus rattus and 14 Crocidura spp. The S segment of LASV RNA was not in any of the 91 rodents’ plasma samples. Conclusion: The rodents captured within the rural communities of Ikorodu, Lagos State and Abeokuta, Ogun State were found not to habour the LASV RNA. This study is limited by the relatively small sample size. Similar studies should be encouraged both in endemic and non-endemic areas in order to understand the actual burden of Lassa fever as well as put into check future epidemics.

An Assessment of Saltwater Intrusion in Coastal Regions of Lagos, Nigeria

This paper explains various factors that contribute to saltwater intrusion, including overexploitation of freshwater resources and climate change as well as the different techniques essential for effective saltwater intrusion management. The impact of saltwater intrusion along coastal regions and its impact on the environment, hydrogeology and groundwater contamination. It suggests potential solutions to mitigate the impact of saltwater intrusion, including effective water management and techniques for managing SWI. The application of A.I (assessment index) serves as a guideline to correctly identify wells with SWI ranging from no intrusion, slight intrusion and strong intrusion. The challenges of saltwater intrusion in Lagos and the salinization of wells were investigated using the hydro-chemical parameters. The study identifies four wells (“AA”, “CMS”, “OBA” and “VIL”) as having high electric conductivities, indicating saline water intrusion, while other wells (“EBM”, “IKJ, and “IKO”) with lower electric conductivities, indicate little or no salt-water intrusion, and “AJ” well shows slight intrusion. The elevation of the wells also played a vital role in the SWI across coastal regions of Lagos. The study recommends continuous monitoring of coastal wells to help sustain and reduce saline intrusion. The findings of the study are important for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners who are interested in addressing the challenges of saltwater intrusion along coastal regions. We assessed the SWI across the eight (8) wells using the Assessment Index to identify wells with SWI. Wells in “CMS” and “VIL” has strong intrusions. A proposed classification system based on specific ion ratios categorizes water quality from good (+) to highly (-) contaminated (refer to Table 4). These findings underscore the need for attention and effective management strategies to address groundwater unsuitability for various purposes.

Groundwater quality in the vicinity of a dumpsite in Lagos metropolis,Nigeria

Inappropriate management of municipal solid waste dumpsites is a major cause of groundwater contamination in developing countries,but the extent of the problem is not known.This study investigated groundwater quality in the vicinity of Olusosun dumpsite in Lagos,Nigeria,the most populous city in sub-Saharan Africa.During 2020,monthly groundwater samples were collected in 17 wells and boreholes used as drinking water sources,and analysed for 20 physico-chemical parameters.Differences between sites and seasons were statistically assessed,together with changes in water quality index(WQI).The results indicated that heavy metals(Pb^(2+),Ni^(+),Mn^(2+),Fe^(2+),Cr^(6+)),cations(Ca^(2+),Mg^(2+),K^(+)),total hardness and pH were the main parameters impairing water quality.Drinking water quality standards from both the World Health Organization and Nigeria government were exceeded more often in the wet season than in the dry season.Some groundwater properties were negatively correlated with distance to dumpsite(e.g.,Fe^(2+),Pb^(2+),NO_(3)^(−)).Significant differences between sites were identified,but with no clear spatial trend.WQI varied from excellent(6%-24%of the sites over the study period)to unsuitable for drinking water purposes(12%-18%),with good quality prevailing at most sites(35%-47%).Although groundwater quality declined at 24%of the sites over 2020,the results indicated improvements compared with previous decades.Remediation strategies must be implemented to safeguard public health and the sustainability of water resources.

Characterization of Depleted Hydrocarbon Reservoir AA-01 of KOKA Field in the Niger Delta Basin for Sustainable Sub-Sea Carbon Dioxide Storage

This study characterized the AA-01 depleted hydrocarbon reservoir in the KOKA field, Niger Delta, using a multidimensional approach. This investigation involved data validation analysis, evaluation of site suitability for CO_(2) storage, and compositional simulation of hydrocarbon components. The primary objective was to determine the initial components and behavior of the hydrocarbon system required to optimize the injection of CO_(2) and accompanying impurities, establishing a robust basis for subsequent sequestration efforts in the six wells in the depleted KOKA AA-01 reservoir. The process, simulated using industry software such as ECLIPSE, PVTi, SCAL, and Petrel, included a compositional fluid analysis to confirm the pressure volume temperature(PVT) hydrocarbon phases and components. This involved performing a material balance on the quality of the measured data and matching the initial reservoir pressure with the supplied data source. The compositional PVT analysis adopted the Peng–Robinson equation of state to model fluid flow in porous media and estimate the necessary number of phases and components to describe the system accurately. Results from this investigation indicate that the KOKA AA-01 reservoir is suitable for CO_(2)sequestration. This conclusion is based on the reservoir's good quality, evidenced by an average porosity of 0.21 and permeability of 1 111.0 mD, a measured lithological depth of 9 300 ft, and characteristic reservoir – seal properties correlated from well logs. The study confirmed that volumetric behavior predictions are directly linked to compositional behavior predictions, which are essential during reservoir initialization and data quality checks. Additionally, it highlighted that a safe design for CO_(2) storage relies on accurately representing multiphase behaviour across wide-ranging pressure–temperature–composition conditions.

Activated Protein C Resistance in Patients with Pre-Eclampsia in Lagos, Nigeria

Background: Preeclampsia is reported to complicate 2% - 8% of pregnancies globally and is an important cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. The aetiology and pathogenesis are still poorly understood and substantial improvement has not been made in the prediction, prevention and treatment of the disease. Objective: To compare the frequency of activated protein C resistance (APC-R) in patients with pre-eclampsia to that of normotensive pregnant women and to determine the correlation between activated protein ratio (APC-ratio) and the severity of pre-eclampsia. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out in 100 pre-eclamptic patients and 100 normotensive pregnant controls. The APC-ratio was determined using the modified activated partial thromboplastin time. Study participants with APC-ratio of less than 2.0 were defined as having APC-R. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. Results: Mean APC-ratio was significantly lower in pre-eclamptics (2.89 ± 1.70) compared to normotensive pregnant women (3.57 ± 1.06) (p = 0.0008) and the levels were also higher in mild (2.95 ± 1.15) compared to severe pre-eclamptics (2.62 ± 1.14). The frequency of APC-R was 26% among women with pre-eclampsia compared to 4% among normotensive controls (p = 0.000). Among 100 pre-eclamptic women 7 (21.2%) out of 33 with mild pre–eclampsia had APC-R, while 19 (28.4%) out of 67 with severe pre-eclampsia had APC-R. APC-ratio had a significant negative correlation with mean arterial blood pressure (r = −0.324;p = 0.000) and proteinuria (r = −0.379;p = 0.000) among study participants. Conclusion: The frequency of activated protein c resistance is significantly higher in pre-eclamptics compared to normotensive pregnant women and this is more pronounced in those with severe pre-eclampsia compared with those with mild disease. APC-R may therefore be used as a marker of severity in the disease.

Overcoming the Potential Drawbacks of Artificial Intelligence in Psychotherapy: Literature Updates

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has progressively impacted healthcare around the world. The increasing need for readily available mental health services, coupled with the swift advancement of novel technologies, prompts conversations over the viability of psychotherapy approaches using engagements with AI. Despite the positive impacts, there are recognizable drawbacks associated with the application of AI in psychotherapy. Establishing a therapeutic alliance is difficult for non-human entities. Psychotherapy is a task too complex for limited artificial intelligence. AI appears capable of handling jobs that are clearly defined and relatively straightforward. Besides, AI malfunctions, data confidentiality, informed consent, and risk of bias are potential concerns. We present a literature update of possible solutions to overcome these concerns.

Flow and Heat Transfer of a Dusty Williamson MHD Nanofluid Flow over a Permeable Cylinder in a Porous Medium

This study investigates the flow and heat transfer of dusty Williamson (MHD) Nanofluid flow over a stretching permeable cylinder in a porous medium. Dusty Williamson Nanofluid was considered due to its thermal properties and potential benefits of increasing the heat transfer rate. Firstly, partial differential equations are transformed into coupled non-linear ordinary differential equations through a similarity variables transformation. The resulting set of dimensionless equations is solved analytically by using the Homogony Perturbation Method (HPM). The effects of the emerging parameters on the velocity and temperature profiles as well as skin-friction coefficient and Nusselt number are publicized through tables and graphs with appropriate discussions. The present result has been compared with published papers and found to be in agreement. To the best of author’s knowledge, there has been sparse research work in the literature that considers the effect of dust with Williamson Nanofluid and also solving the problem analytically. Therefore to the best of author’s knowledge, this is the first time analytical solution has been established for the problem. The results revealed that the fluid velocity of both the fluid and dust phases decreases as the Williamson parameter increases. Motivated by the above limitations and the gaps in past works, therefore, it is hoped that the present work will assist in providing accurate solutions to many practical problems in science, industry and engineering.

Epidemiology, Clinical Features and Antifungal Resistance Profile of Candida auris in Africa: Systematic Review

Candida auris since it discovery in 2009 is becoming a severe threat to human health due to its very quickly spread, its worldwide high resistance to systemic antifungal drugs. In resource-constrained settings where several conditions are met for its emergence and spread, this worrisome fungus could cause large hospital and/or community-based outbreaks. This review aimed to summarize the available data on C. auris in Africa focusing on its epidemiology and antifungal resistance profile. Major databases were searched for articles on the epidemiology and antifungal resistance profile of C. auris in Africa. Out of 2,521 articles identified 22 met the inclusion criteria. In Africa, nearly 89% of African countries have no published data on C. auris. The prevalence of C. auris in Africa was 8.74%. The case fatality rate of C. auris infection in Africa was 39.46%. The main C. auris risk factors reported in Africa were cardiovascular disease, renal failure, diabetes, HIV, recent intake of antimicrobial drugs, ICU admissions, surgery, hemodialysis, parenteral nutrition and indwelling devices. Four phylogenetic clades were reported in Africa, namely clades I, II, III and IV. Candida auris showed a pan-African very high resistance rate to fluconazole, moderate resistance to amphotericin B, and high susceptibility to echinocandins. Finally, C. auris clade-specific mutations were observed within the ERG2, ERG3, ERG9, ERG11, FKS1, TAC1b and MRR1 genes in Africa. This systematic review showed the presence of C. auris in the African continent and a worrying unavailability of data on this resilient fungus in most African countries.

Anticancer potential of metabolic compounds from marine actinomycetes isolated from Lagos Lagoon sediment

Thirty-two actinomycetes strains were isolated from sediment samples from 12 different sites at Lagos Lagoon and identified using standard physiological and biochemical procedures as well as 16S rDNA gene sequence analysis. Secondary metabolites were extracted from the strains and their anticancer activity on the K562 (Human acute myelocytic leukemia), HeLa (cervical carcinoma), AGS (Human gastric), MCF- 7 (breast adenocarcinoma) and HL-60 (Human acute promyelocytic leukemia) cell lines was determined. The metabolic extracts exhibited cytotoxicity with IC50 values ranging from 0.030 mg/mL to 4.4 mg/mL. The Streptomyces bingchenggensis ULS14 extract was cytotoxic against all the cell lines tested. The bioactivity-guided extraction and purification of the metabolic extracts from this strain yielded two purified anticancer compounds: ULDF4 and ULDF5. The structures of the extracted compounds were determined using spectroscopic analyses, including electrospray ionization mass spectrophotometer and nuclear magnetic resonance (1 Dimensional and 2 Dimensional), and were shown to be structurally similar to staurosporine and kigamicin. The IC50 of ULDF4 and ULDF5 against the HeLa cell line was 0.034 mg/mL and 0.075 mg/mL, respectively. This study is the first to reveal the anticancer potential of actinomycetes from Lagos Lagoon, which could be exploited for therapeutic purposes.

Assessment of Potential Aerodrome Obstacles on Flight Safety Operations Using GIS: A Case of Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos-Nigeria

The study focuses on the spatial analysis of the threat of potential Aerodrome obstacles on flight safety operations, in Murtala Mohammed Airport, Ikeja Lagos State. The study arises from the cases of flight safety in Nigerian airports which begins from the time passengers board the flight to the take-off time and location, the taxing of the plane and ends at the landing. The research employs GIS to model the 3D obstacles of the aerodrome, which demonstrated the ability in classifying the various threats on the aerodrome. The data acquired for this study ranging from primary data which included georeferencing of the obstacles that are found along the aerodrome with a Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) to secondary data which included all base maps and satellite images. The spatial data conversion and manipulations were done using the ArcGIS 10.3.1 software. The 3D simulation of the obstacles was done in the ArcScene environment. To examine the spatial patterns of the obstacles around the aerodrome, the Average Nearest Neighbour Analysis (ANN) was used as statistical function from ArcGIS. The obstacles found within the MM2 aerodrome were grouped into the tolerant and non-tolerant ones. However, the finding shows that MM2 aerodrome conforms to ICAO standards and recommended practices. The study thus recommends strict daily monitoring of flight route to mark objects for foundation on the non-tolerance zones.

Geostatistical evaluation of spatial variability of land subsidence rates in Lagos, Nigeria

Accurate land subsidence prediction is fundamental for effective management of land subsidence and other associated geohazards. Lagos, the most densely populated city in Nigeria, has been adversely affected by widespread land subsidence. Previous studies have largely been restricted to analyzing space geodetic technique data. Unfortunately, this technique imposes spatial limitations resulting in incomplete coverage of the study areas due to atmospheric effects, orbital satellite characteristics, or surface characteristics. The application of geostatistics to georeferenced data obtained from space-based measurements can reliably provide complete information on spatial variability. The objective of this study is to provide an overview of current subsidence rates and to assess the spatial variability of land subsidence in the study area by using geostatistics that integrate semivariogram and ordinary kriging. The study area was partitioned into eight subregions;for each subregion, the experimental variogram was determined from the observed data and fitted to the optimal models. Seven subregions were fitted to exponential models and one was fitted to the spherical model. The model semivariograms were used in the kriging analysis to estimate the spatial variability of subsidence rates. The results showed that the nugget-to-sill ratio lies between 44 and 70%, indicating that the spatial variation of subsidence rates at the scale under study is moderately distributed and the mechanism of deformation is similar. The nugget effect of the subsidence rate is between 0.25 and 0.75, indicating that subsidence rates are influenced by various contributions. The predicted spatial variability of subsidence rates by Ordinary Kriging presents reliable values of R-squared(0.32 e0.42) and RMSE(0.21 e0.30). Critical subsidence rates characterised the areas around the Atlantic Ocean coastal alluvium deposit, the Lagos lagoon, and the Ogun River flood alluvium.This study successfully demonstrates the suitability of the geostatistical tools to evaluate spatial variability of subsidence rates.

Assessment of the Effects of Temperature, Precipitation and Altitude on Greenhouse Gas Emission from Soils in Lagos Metropolis

Significant pool of carbon is present in the biosphere as soil organic carbon (SOC). More carbon is stored in the soils which include peatlands, wetlands and permafrost than is present in the atmosphere. There are still controversies regarding the effects of climate change on global soil carbon stocks. This study seeks to: assess the effect of altitude, temperature and precipitation on the greenhouse gas emission from soil;and to examine the correlation between soil organic carbon and soil texture. With a total of 81 samples collected at 3 different depths (0 - 10 cm, 10 - 20 cm, 20 - 30 cm) from 27 locations in different regions of Lagos, the relation of soil organic carbon concentration to climate was investigated. Samples taken were analyzed for soil organic matter, soil organic carbon (SOC), and percentage of silt/clay/sand. The amount of carbon dioxide released was calculated. Temperature, precipitation and altitude were also taken into consideration. From the 27 locations topsoil had 8 locations of highest SOC contents;middle soil had 2 locations of highest SOC contents while bottom soil had 17 locations of highest SOC contents. SOC contents of top soil were linked with soil texture, vegetation type, temperature, precipitation, and altitude. The study showed that SOC increased with decrease in temperature, decrease in precipitation, and increase in altitude. Forest, shrubs and grassland types of vegetation, as well as soil depths also favour SOC contents. The study also showed that increase in temperature and altitude favours greenhouse gas emission from the soil. From our findings, SOC and climate change are greatly linked.

Prevention of Maternal-to-Child Transmission of HIV: Knowledge, Attitude and Factors Influencing Active Participation among HIV-Positive Men in a Military Health Facility in Lagos, South Western Nigeria

Introduction: Traditionally, Prevention of Maternal-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV involves women and excludes men despite their important roles. There is a need for more data on factors influencing male participation in PMTCT programs. Design: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study of married HIV-positive men receiving care at the adult ART clinic, 68 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital Yaba. Data were collected from March 15 to April 30, 2018. Result: Out of the 366 respondents, 333 (91%) were aware that HIV can be transmitted from mother to child. However, only 43.2% correctly identified that it can be transmitted during pregnancy, while 30.2% stated during labour. Almost all of the respondents (96.4%) would also accept that their positive partners take antiretroviral treatment to protect her unborn baby, 86.9% would support non breastfeeding option after delivery, and 95.6% indicated readiness to buy formula milk for the baby. Similarly, majority believed that a pregnant woman can be tested for HIV without the permission of her partner (Mean = 1.47 ± 0.893), and that men should accompany their spouse to ANC/PMTCT clinics (Mean = 1.86 ± 0.921). Conclusion: This study revealed that despite low knowledge of PMTCT among men, there is a good level of attitude and involvement among them. We recommend further study to fully explore the impact of education on men’s participation.

Inhibitory Activities of Lactic Acid Bacteria against Multi-Drug Resistant Uropathogenic <i>Staphylococcus saprophyticus</i>Isolated from Symptomatic Women in Lagos, Nigeria

The uropathogenic Staphylococcus saprophyticus is reported severally to be resistant to the drugs often used empirically for treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Their ability to exhibit resistance to multiple drugs is a great deal of threat to successes recorded in the management of UTIs caused by this pathogen. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have been demonstrated to exhibit antimicrobial activities but studies about their prospect against multi-drug resistant S. saprophyticus are quite few. This study therefore investigated activities of LAB against the multi-drug resistant S. saprophyticus recovered from urine samples of symptomatic women. The three different species of LAB (Lactobacillus fermentum BTA 62, Lactobacillus johnsonii BTA 86 and Weissella confusa BTA 40) previously isolated and identified by 16S rRNA sequencing were selected based on their history of antimicrobial activities. Their metabolites were employed in the antagonistic assays against six (6) multi-drug resistant test pathogens recovered from urine samples of symptomatic, non-pregnant women attending clinics in Lagos, Nigeria and the control (S. saprophyticus subs bovis strain DSM 18669) following standard procedures. The pathogens showed resistances to almost all the antibiotics except levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, imipenem while the control showed resistance to three. The LAB, L. fermentum inhibited five (83.3%) of the pathogens with zone diameter of 12 - 17 mm, followed by W. confusa inhibiting three (50%) with 15 - 17 mm. Lactobacillus johnsonii on the other hand, inhibited a pathogen and the control with zones of 13 mm and 14 mm respectively. In conclusion, the extracted metabolites of LAB inhibited the growth of multi-drug resistant clinical isolates of uropathogenic S. saprophyticus and may therefore be potent alternatives to antibiotics.

Occurrence and Clinical Characteristics of Vaginitis among Women of Reproductive Age in Lagos, Nigeria

Background: Vaginitis is an important public health problem globally. It is associated with gynaecological and obstetric complications. Vulvovaginal candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis are mainly responsible for vaginitis. The aim of this study is to determine the occurrence, clinical characteristics and associated risk factors of vulvovaginal candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis among women of reproductive age attending Primary Health Care centres in Lagos Nigeria. Methods:This cross-sectional study recruited 258 women with genital complaints after obtaining their informed written consent between May 2017 and March 2018. Structured questionnaires were administered and high vaginal swabs were collected for laboratory examination. The results were analysed with descriptive statistics, chi-square and simple logistic regression. Results: Out of the 210 (81.4%) of the women with one or more vaginal infections, 105 (50.0%), 26 (12.4%) had bacterial vaginosis, and vulvovaginal candidiasis respectively while 78 (37.1%) had both vulvovaginal candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis. Only 1 (0.5%) participant had trichomoniasis and bacterial vaginosis. History of abortion and age below 25 years were associated with vulvovaginal candidiasis while pregnancy, history of miscarriage, age at first sexual activity and discharge were associated with bacterial vaginosis. Itching was associated with both vulvovaginal candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis. Conclusion: This study revealed vulvovaginal candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis as important cause of genital complaints among reproductive age women in Lagos. Health education, robust diagnosis and early treatment are needed in order to reduce the associated risk factors, disease burden and complications.

Characterisation and mapping of land subsidence based on geodetic observations in Lagos,Nigeria

The pervasive seasonal flooding,aquifer contamination,and saline water intrusion in parts of Lagos are some of the long-term effects of land subsidence caused by the excessive groundwater exploitation and land reclamation that has been taking place in the city.Efforts to monitor the extent and pattern of land deformation will help in many ways to mitigate the effects of flooding and other geohazards associated with land subsidence.In this study,we characterised and mapped the land subsidence in the Lagos city based on the analyses of geodetic data,which included Global Positioning Satellite(GPS),Envisat,Sentinel-1,and GRACE data.We applied the SBAS technique to the Envisat and Sentinel-1 datasets acquired from 2004-2011 and 2015-2019,respectively,and to perform multi-temporal analyses and produce corresponding subsidence maps over the Lagos city.The GRACE data were used to infer the extent and trend of groundwater changes at the GPS location.The results indicate that the subsidence is a widespread phenomenon in Lagos city,with subsidence rates varying between-2 mm/year and-87 mm/year.The highest subsidence rate was observed around the coastal zones and areas where heavy structures are built on landfills.With the highest rate at present,subsidence has gradually increased in the last 15 years.With the development of indiscriminate groundwater exploitation,urbanization,and rapid population growth,the subsidence rate in Lagos city is likely to rise significantly in the coming years,which,in turn,may further escalate the flood rate and other associated geohazards.

Prescription of intermittent preventive therapy (IPTp) among doctors practicing in an army hospital in Lagos, Nigeria

Background: Malaria infestation in pregnancy is a major public health concern and ranks amongst the commonest complications of pregnancy in Nigeria. Approximately 50,000 Nigerian women die each year from largely preventable pregnancy related complications. Intermittent preventive therapy for malaria in pregnancy (IPTp) is a key recommendation in the National guideline for malaria treatment in Nigeria. This study assessed the prescription pattern of intermittent preventive therapy with Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine for pregnant women among doctors practicing in 68 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria. Methods: This was a retrospective study using case notes of pregnant women seen at antenatal clinic of 68 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria from January, 2008 to December, 2008. A total of 336 case notes were reviewed. The findings were precoded, data entry and analysis was done using EPI INFO 2002. Results: A good proportion of the women (82.9%) booked for antenatal clinic within the first and second trimesters of pregnancy. Most commonly prescribed by doctors was the weekly pyrimethamine (daraprim) for malaria prophylaxis in pregnancy (100.0%). Very few doctors prescribed intermittent preventive therapy with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine, and the few who did prescribed just one dose. Conclusion: The study showed a very low level of prescription of IPTp among doctors practicing at 68 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria. There is a great need for training of these doctors and other health professionals on the recommendations of the current National Antimalarial Treatment Guidelines.