Gregory University

This study interprets airborne radiometric data to evaluate mineral exploration potential within a basement complex terrain. Concentration maps of potassium (K), thorium (Th), and uranium (U), together with ternary composites, radiometric ratios, and the Efimov F-parameter, were used to delineate lithological units and hydrothermal alteration zones. Elevated K values exceeding 1.2% occur mainly in the southeastern and central regions, accompanied by high K/Th ratios (>0.09) and positive F-parameter anomalies (>0.2), indicating potassic alteration. Uranium highs exceeding 6 ppm and elevated U/Th ratios (>0.3) mark zones of uranium mobility and secondary enrichment. The integration of all radiometric products highlights extensive hydrothermal alteration in the southeastern and central sectors, which is spatially associated with structural trends typical of orogenic mineral systems. Comparison with earlier radiometric studies across Nigeria, Morocco, Egypt, and Senegal confirms the reliability of these indicators. The identified zones represent high-priority targets for gold and base-metal exploration.

Malaria remains a major public health concern in Nigeria, this study analyses the temporal trend of malaria incidence in Abuja from 2014 to 2024, assesses the trend of malaria parasite suitable days from 1979 to 2024, examines population growth trends, and evaluates the relationship between malaria, climatic suitability, and population expansion. Daily climate data from ERA5 (and CFS reanalysis datasets were utilized, incorporating temperature, precipitation, wind speed, and specific humidity as key environmental factors. The Mann-Kendall trend test was applied to assess long-term malaria and climate trends, while ordinary least squares (OLS) regression analysis was used to evaluate statistical relationships. Results indicate a statistically significant increasing trend in malaria incidence (p < 0.001), coinciding with rapid urban population growth. However, malaria parasite suitable days showed a significant decline (p < 0.001), suggesting climate-induced changes in vector ecology. Regression analysis revealed a strong positive association between malaria incidence and population growth (p = 0.043, R² = 0.38), while the relationship between malaria and climatic suitability was weak (p = 0.260, R² = 0.138). These findings highlight the growing urban malaria burden, driven primarily by population expansion rather than climate change. The study underscores the need for integrated malaria control strategies, combining vector management, urban health planning, and climate adaptation measures to mitigate future risks in Abuja.

Abstract Background The Plasmodium falciparum multidrug resistance 1 (Pfmdr1) gene is a critical molecular marker of antimalarial drug resistance. Monitoring Pfmdr1 mutations is essential for guiding treatment strategies and preventing the spread of resistant parasites. This study investigated the prevalence and mutational spectrum of the Pfmdr1 gene in P. falciparum clinical isolates from malaria patients in southeastern Nigeria. Methods A total of 180 patients with suspected malaria were recruited. Malaria infection was confirmed by microscopy in 50 cases, and nested PCR targeting the 18 S rRNA gene identified 35 samples positive for P. falciparum. These were subjected to Pfmdr1 gene amplification by PCR, followed by Sanger sequencing. Associations between Pfmdr1 presence and demographic factors were assessed using Chi-square tests. Results Of the participants, 58% were male and 42% female, aged between 3 years and over 35 years. Pfmdr1 was successfully amplified in 10 of the 35 P. falciparum-positive samples (28.57%). Significant associations were observed between Pfmdr1 gene presence and both age (χ²(1) = 6.429, p = 0.011) and gender (χ²(1) = 6.429, p = 0.011). Sequencing revealed multiple rare non-synonymous mutations, notably at codons I301V, I337L, L445K, I448L, and F546I mutations with potential implications for drug transport and resistance alongside others at I538S, V541T, L542Q, V547I, N646I, N650K, and T1152L, indicating high genetic diversity. Conclusions This study reports low prevalence but high mutational diversity of the Pfmdr1 gene among P. falciparum isolates in south eastern Nigeria. The observed age- and gender-related associations suggest potential host–parasite interaction effects. These findings underscore the need for continuous molecular surveillance to track emerging resistance patterns and inform evidence-based antimalarial treatment policies in endemic regions.

Intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp) remains a cornerstone of malaria control in sub-Saharan Africa, yet coverage gaps persist despite widespread antenatal care (ANC) attendance. In Nigeria’s mixed health system, institutional differences between public and private facilities may contribute to uneven delivery of IPTp, but such disparities are poorly understood at operational spatial scales. This study employed a catchment-based spatial framework to evaluate IPTp3 delivery among pregnant women in Oyo State, Nigeria, using routine health facility data from DHIS2 for 2025. IPTp3 coverage was standardized against pregnancy stock derived from high-resolution WorldPop population estimates. Catchment-level indicators were compared between public and private facilities, and ownership effects were assessed using demand-adjusted regression models controlling for pregnancy burden, women-of-reproductive-age density, and catchment area. IPTp3 delivery exhibited extreme heterogeneity across catchments. Private facilities recorded substantially lower median IPTp3 coverage and a markedly higher prevalence of zero delivery despite non-zero pregnancy burden. After adjusting for demographic demand and spatial scale, private facility ownership was independently associated with significantly lower IPTp3 delivery (p < 0.001). Aggregated ward- and LGA-level summaries obscured these micro-scale inequities, highlighting the added value of catchment-level analysis. Malaria prevention during pregnancy in Oyo State is strongly shaped by institutional factors rather than demographic demand alone. Persistent under-delivery of IPTp3 in private facility catchments represents a critical equity gap that may undermine progress toward malaria elimination and maternal health goals. Strengthening private-sector integration into malaria prevention programs and adopting catchment-based monitoring frameworks are essential for achieving more equitable IPTp coverage.

Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion when unfamiliar metallic objects are encountered in civilian settings. Early recognition of potential explosive hazards, avoidance of civilian handling, and prompt notification of appropriate authorities are essential to prevent secondary injury and reduce avoidable morbidity at both individual and community levels.