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Irrigation has been identified as an important practice to achieving food security and socio-economic development in the face of rapid population growth and climatic uncertainties. In northern Nigeria, irrigation has long been identified as the key to achieving the much-desired increase in food production to meet the ever-increasing population. However, the existing irrigation schemes encountered several challenges coming from different dimensions including economic, social, environmental, institutional and technological. To attain sustainable crop production, this paper attempts to uncover the underline challenges confronting irrigation schemes in northern Nigeria that cut across sustainability pillars. The findings revealed that irrigation schemes contributed immensely toward achieving food security and improving the well-being of rural dwellers. However, the huge investment in large- and medium-scale irrigation schemes have resulted in massive economic losses. This could be attributed to their under-utilization, poor management and abandonment although few ones are performing remarkably well. The study recommends the need to adopt new water allocation and application methods that can improve water use efficiency, users-managers join approach (participatory), effective and competent institutions which include improved monitoring, evaluation and surveillance systems, frequent policy review to suit the situation, law enforcement, and timely sensitization and awareness campaigns.

Rotavirus infection is a significant cause of gastroenteritis in developing countries and, in severe cases even leads to death. The impact of rotavirus vaccine introduction in reducing the rotavirus disease burden in children was well known. The study was aimed to determine the prevalence and clinical characteristics of rotavirus gastroenteritis before the introduction of rotavirus vaccine into Nigeria's routine immunization program.We conducted a cross-sectional hospital-based study involving 735 children aged 0-59 months with acute gastroenteritis hospitalized at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital Zaria from September 2017 to August 2020. Relevant sociodemographic and clinical data were obtained and entered into the World Health Organization standardized case investigation forms. Stool specimens were tested for rotavirus Group A antigen using the ProSpecT™ Rotavirus Microplate Assay by Thermoscientific Oxoid Microbiology UK.One hundred and fifty-three stool samples tested positive for rotavirus giving a prevalence of 20.8%. One hundred and two (66.7%) children with rotavirus gastroenteritis were infants. There were 87 males and 66 females with M: F ratio of 1.3:1. Only 30 (19.6%) children with rotavirus-associated diarrhea presented with severe dehydration. The presence of vomiting was significantly associated with rotavirus diarrhea (P = 0.001). More cases of rotavirus diarrhea occurred in September through February. None of the studied children were vaccinated against rotavirus.The prevalence of rotavirus diarrhea remains high in this study. Infants were recognized as a high-risk group, and none of them were vaccinated against rotavirus and this underscores the urgent need for implementing the rotavirus vaccine in the national vaccination program to reduce the disease burden in the country.bRésumé/bL'infection à rotavirus est une cause importante de gastro-entérite dans les pays en développement et, dans les cas graves, entraîne même la mort. L'impact de l'introduction du vaccin antirotavirus pour réduire le fardeau de la maladie à rotavirus chez les enfants était bien connue. L'étude visait à déterminer la prévalence et les caractéristiques cliniques de la gastro-entérite à rotavirus avant l'introduction du vaccin antirotavirus dans le programme de vaccination systématique du Nigéria.bMatériels et méthodes/bNous avons mené une étude hospitalière transversale portant sur 735 enfants âgés de 0 à 59 mois atteints de gastro-entérite aiguë. hospitalisé à l'hôpital universitaire Ahmadu Bello Zaria de septembre 2017 à août 2020. Données sociodémographiques et cliniques pertinentes les données ont été obtenues et saisies dans les formulaires normalisés d'investigation de cas de l'Organisation mondiale de la santé. Des échantillons de selles ont été testés pour le rotavirus Antigène du groupe A utilisant le test sur microplaque ProSpecT™ Rotavirus par Thermoscientific Oxoid Microbiology UK.bRésultats/bcent cinquante trois les échantillons de selles ont été testés positifs pour le rotavirus donnant une prévalence de 20,8 %. Cent deux (66,7 %) enfants atteints de gastro-entérite à rotavirus ont été nourrissons. Il y avait 87 hommes et 66 femmes avec un rapport M:F de 1,3:1. Seuls 30 (19,6 %) enfants atteints de diarrhée à rotavirus ont présenté déshydratation sévère. La présence de vomissements était significativement associée à la diarrhée à rotavirus (P = 0,001). Plus de cas de diarrhée à rotavirus se sont produits de septembre à février. Aucun des enfants étudiés n'a été vacciné contre le rotavirus.bConclusion/bLa prévalence de la diarrhée à rotavirus reste élevé dans cette étude. Les nourrissons ont été reconnus comme un groupe à haut risque et aucun d'entre eux n'a été vacciné contre le rotavirus, ce qui souligne la nécessité urgente de mettre en œuvre le vaccin antirotavirus dans le programme national de vaccination afin de réduire la charge de morbidité dans le pays.bMots-clés/bGastro-entérite aiguë, diarrhée à rotavirus, vaccin à rotavirus, Zaria.

Irrigated agriculture has been identified as an important practice to achieving food security and socio-economic development in the face of rapid population growth and climatic uncertainties. In northern Nigeria, irrigation has long been identified as the key to achieving the much-desired increase in food production to meet the ever-increasing population. However, the existing irrigation schemes encountered several challenges coming from different dimensions including economic, social, environmental, institutional and technological. To attain sustainable crop production, this paper attempts to uncover the underline challenges confronting irrigation schemes in northern Nigeria that cut across sustainability pillars. The findings revealed that irrigation schemes contributed immensely toward achieving food security and improving the wellbeing of rural dwellers. However, the huge investment in large- and medium-scale irrigation schemes have resulted in massive economic losses. This could be attributed to their under-utilization, poor management and abandonment although few ones are performing remarkably well. The study recommends the need to adopt new water allocation and application methods that can improve water use efficiency, users-managers join approach (participatory), effective and competent institutions which include improved monitoring, evaluation and surveillance systems, frequent policy review to suit the situation, law enforcement, and timely sensitization and awareness campaigns.

Hydraulic conductivity is one of the most important parameters for flow and transport related phenomena in soil and also a criterion for measuring soil ability to transfer water. There is concern arising from the suitability, efficiency and ease of the different measuring methods use under different land management practices. The purpose of this paper is to determine and evaluate soil hydraulic conductivity under different land management practices which include forest land (teak and Melina plantation), grassland and maize cultivated land using the constant head method. The measurement is at different depth of 0 - 15 cm, 15 - 25 cm, 25 - 50 cm, 50 - 75 cm. The limited means of each land use were used to compare the result obtained through statistical means. All tests were carried out using SPSS at a significance level of 0.05. An ANOVA test was conducted to check if each of the land use is significantly different. The soil in forest zone (Teak plantation and Gmalina plantation) had a significantly high bulk density as 1.7533 cm-3 and 1.6967 cm-3 respectively at depth 50 - 75 cm compared to the low bulk density in the grass, maize cultivated land as 1.5000 cm-3 and 1.4833 cm-3 respectively at depth 50 - 75 cm. However, soil hydraulic conductivity was significantly high in the grass site or soil at the surface with 2.8833 cm·h-1. Results obtained from the different land use serve as Knowledge of variability of soil that can assist in defining the best strategies for sustainable soil management through the provision of vital information for estimating soil susceptibility to erosion, hydrological modelling and efficient planning of irrigation projects.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global health challenge, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Programs that appropriate antibiotic use such as antimicrobial stewardship, is a global health strategy adopted by the World Health Organization to contain threats posed by AMR. Unfortunately, many LMICs are at best left behind in the process of developing antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASP). We highlighted the roles of the clinical microbiology laboratory in antimicrobial stewardship and challenges associated with the program in LMICs. We further suggested ways forward in the adoption and implementation of existing programs in resource-limited settings. There is generally nonexistent or at best, fewer ASP in the LMICs. More efforts need to be channeled toward fighting the AMR scourge, primarily by adopting ASP while utilizing the little resources available.

Irrigation has been identified as a key to achieving food demand in the face of rapid increase in population and climate change impact. In northern Nigeria for example, irrigation practice has been adopted as an alternative to achieving in food production to meet the demand of the population. Nevertheless, the existing irrigation schemes encountered several challenges coming from the 5 basic sustainability pillars including social, environmental, economic, institutional and technological. This paper attempts to appraise the current state of irrigation schemes through revealing the underlined challenges confronting these schemes that cut across sustainability pillars. The findings discovered that irrigation schemes contributed immensely toward achieving food security and socio-economic development. However, the huge investment in irrigation sector have resulted in massive economic fatalities. This could be attributed to poor management, under-utilization, and abandonment even though few are performing remarkably well. Thus, there is a need to adopt new water sharing methods that can improve water-use efficiency, users-managers joint approach, building competent institutions with an improved monitoring, evaluation and surveillance systems. Others include frequent policy review, development of water conservation-base law enforcement agency as well as well-timed sensitization and awareness campaigns.

As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to rise and second waves are reported in some countries, serological test kits and strips are being considered to scale up an adequate laboratory response. This study provides an update on the kinetics of humoral immune response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and performance characteristics of serological protocols (lateral flow assay [LFA], chemiluminescence immunoassay [CLIA] and ELISA) used for evaluations of recent and past SARS-CoV-2 infection. A thorough and comprehensive review of suitable and eligible full-text articles was performed on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Wordometer and medRxiv from 10 January to 16 July 2020. These articles were searched using the Medical Subject Headings terms ‘COVID-19’, ‘Serological assay’, ‘Laboratory Diagnosis’, ‘Performance characteristics’, ‘POCT’, ‘LFA’, ‘CLIA’, ‘ELISA’ and ‘SARS-CoV-2’. Data from original research articles on SARS-CoV-2 antibody detection ≥second day postinfection were included in this study. In total, there were 7938 published articles on humoral immune response and laboratory diagnosis of COVID-19. Of these, 74 were included in this study. The detection, peak and decline period of blood anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM, IgG and total antibodies for point-of-care testing (POCT), ELISA and CLIA vary widely. The most promising of these assays for POCT detected anti-SARS-CoV-2 at day 3 postinfection and peaked on the 15th day; ELISA products detected anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG at days 2 and 6 then peaked on the eighth day; and the most promising CLIA product detected anti-SARS-CoV-2 at day 1 and peaked on the 30th day. The most promising LFA, ELISA and CLIA that had the best performance characteristics were those targeting total SARS-CoV-2 antibodies followed by those targeting anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG then IgM. Essentially, the CLIA-based SARS-CoV-2 tests had the best performance characteristics, followed by ELISA then POCT. Given the varied performance characteristics of all the serological assays, there is a need to continuously improve their detection thresholds, as well as to monitor and re-evaluate their performances to assure their significance and applicability for COVID-19 clinical and epidemiological purposes.

Background and study aim: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is among the most common complications of catheterized persons in hospital settings especially, those caused by extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) and biofilm producing Escherichia coli.This hospital based, cross sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence and associated factors associated with Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) isolates from catheterized persons (inpatients and outpatients) attending Ilorin Tertiary hospital, Nigeria Materials and Methods: Between 2nd April and 30th June 2016, urine samples from 113 catheterized inpatient and outpatients were evaluated. Female subjects accounted for 47(41.6%) of the study population. Standard microbiological methods and Analytical Profile Index (API) 20E system were used for the isolation and identification of UPEC, respectively. Tissue culture plate (TCP) technique was used to demonstrate biofilm production potentials. Results: The prevalence of catheter associated urinary tract infection (CA-UTI) in this study was 70.8% most of which are Gram negative bacilli belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae family with Escherichia coli 44(55.0%) being the most predominant pathogen.Extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) E coli in this study was 27.2% of which all (100%) were strong biofilm producers. Female subjects had relatively higher prevalence of UPEC isolates, 29 (65.9%) than the male counterparts. Whereas, the highest cases of UPEC was in 61-70 years age group, 29.5%. There was significant association between UPEC and age and gender of subjects (p

Dengue (DEN) is a semi-neglected and dangerously re-emerging, mosquito-borne viral disease of the Flaviviridae family. Dengue virus (DENV) has been rapidly spreading for the past 6 decades, and now affects more than 50% the world’s population, especially the tropical and subtropical countries. DENV transmission and geographic expansion is expected to rise due to increased international travels, deforestation, industrialization, urbanization and climatic changes. A major control strategy for dengue is achieved through targeting the mosquito vectors, which put a significant break in the transmission of DENV to humans. For long, most dengue endemic nations relied heavily on chemical control measures, however, there were growing concerns and controversies on cases of multiple insecticide resistance. Therefore, more research interest has shifted toward studies on the use of biological control, biotechnological approaches, as potential alternatives. Indeed, dengue prevention is a key, mainly through continuous search for novel vaccines and/or improves on the potency, effectiveness, efficacy, safety, and affordability of existing ones, in order to assure protection against all serotypes of dengue, regardless of age, sex or race of people. In this chapter, we outlined and elucidated available non-insecticide based dengue control strategies that have been implemented, and/or currently being tested. We also updated information on currently licensed dengue vaccines, those in clinical trials and their public health prospects in the prevention of dengue.

Background: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) present with high morbidity and reduce patient's quality of life. There is a gross paucity of data on biofilm-producing bacteria in DFU Infection in North-Western Nigeria. The study sought to determine the biofilm-forming ability of bacteria isolates from DFUs and determine their antimicrobial susceptibility pattern in Zaria, North-Western Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional study of patients with DFUs was conducted from June 2018 to February 2020. Consecutive biopsies were aseptically collected. Bacteria were isolated and identified using a Microgen kit. Biofilm forming ability and antibiogram of isolates were determined using microtitre plate and disk diffusion methods, respectively. Results: Of the 225 participants enrolled, males constituted the majority, 144 (64.0%) with 88 (36.0%) females, the median age of participants was 54 (48–60) years, and the age range was 36–77 years. A total of 172 bacteria were isolated, and 123 (71.5%) were biofilm producers. Staphylococcus aureus (26.7%) was the highest biofilm producer, while Citrobacter freundii and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia were the least biofilm producers, 1 (0.6%) each. A disproportionate resistance pattern was demonstrated among the biofilm and non-biofilm producers against the cephalosporins tested, ceftazidime (68% vs. 18%), ceftriaxone (50% vs. 8.0%) and cefotaxime (21% vs. 0.0%). About 46% and 68% of the biofilm producers were resistant to gentamycin and ciprofloxacin, respectively. While only 2% of the non-biofilm producers were resistant to imipenem, 11% of the biofilm producers were resistant to it. Conclusion: These findings revealed a high proportion of biofilm-producing bacteria and were more resistant than non-biofilm producers.

Background: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a gamma herpes virus that infects 95% of the human population. Primary infection is often asymptomatic but results in lifelong infection, when immune is compromised EBV is associated with lymph proliferative diseases and malignancies such as Burkitt´s lymphoma, Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, and Hodgkin’s lymphoma. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of EBV in Human immune-deficient virus (HIV)-infected individuals in Katsina State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Two hundred and seventy- three (273) consented HIV-infected individuals were screened for EBV antigens, for the period of five months (November 2018- March 2019). The sera of individuals were subjected to antigen serological assay by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Out of 273 subjects that were tested 89(32.6%) were EBV antigen positive and 184(67.4%) were EBV antigen negative, prevalence of EBV antigen was higher in females with 61(22.3%), age group 35-44 years 30(10%), CD4+ 425-524 cells/µl 20(7.4%), and viral load 48(18.6%) with less than 1000 count. Conclusion: This study has contributed baseline data and provided insights in EBV-HIV co-infection in Katsina Northwestern Nigeria This would undoubtedly serve as a basis for further studies on EBV in the general population.

Background and Aims: Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) are considered major reservoir for genes encoding antimicrobial resistance. The mechanism of resistance and persistence of UPEC has been attributed to the production of biofilm and Extended Beta Lactamase (ESBL). This hospital-based prospective study determined how biofilm and ESBL production facilitate antibacterial resistance amongst UPEC isolated from catheter urine of patients attending the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Urine samples from 113 catheterized inpatients and outpatients were analysed. Female subjects accounted for 47 (41.6%) of the study population. Standard microbiological methods and Analytical Profile Index (API) 20E were used for the isolation and identification of UPEC. Tissue culture plate technique was used to demonstrate biofilm production potentials and double-disc synergy test was used to determine ESBL production. Results: Catheter associated urinary tract infection in this study was 70.8% of samples analysed. Of this, Escherichia coli, 44 (55.0%) was the most predominant. UPEC, biofilm and ESBL production amounted to 38.9%, 81.8% and 27.2%, respectively. ESBL production was significantly associated with degree of biofilm formation (p0.05). Imipenem, however, was the most sensitive with no resistance by the UPEC. Conclusions: ESBL and biofilm production were associated with antibacterial resistance. The incidence of ESBL production amongst biofilm forming UPEC is of great public health concern.

Backround: Data on Dengue virus (DENV) infection prevalence, geographic distribution and risk factors are necessary to direct appropriate utilization of existing and emerging control strategies. This study aimed to determine the pooled prevalence, risk factors of DENV infection and the circulating serotypes within Nigeria from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2020. Materials and methods: Twenty-one studies out of 2,215 available articles were eligible and included for this systematic review. Relevant articles were searched, screened and included in this study according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria. The risk of bias in primary studies was assessed by Cochrane's method. Heterogeneity of pooled prevalence was calculated using the chi-square test on Cochrane's Q statistic, which was quantified by I-square values. The random-effects analyses of proportions were used to determine the pooled prevalence of DENV antibodies, antigen and RNA from eligible studies. Results: Of these, 3 studies reported co-circulation of all the 4 serotypes, while 2 separately reported co-circulation of DENV-1 &2 and DENV-1 to -3. All the antibody-based studies had significantly high heterogeneity (I2 >90%, P 0.05). The pooled prevalence of DENV IgM, IgG, RNA, NS1 and neutralizing antibodies were 16.8%, 34.7%, 7.7%, 7.7% and 0.7%, respectively. Southeast Nigeria had the highest pooled DENV-IgG seropositivity, 77.1%. Marital status, gender, educational level and occupation status, the proximity of residence to refuse dumpsite, frequent use of trousers and long sleeve shirts were significantly associated with DENV IgG seropositivity (P

Well – K1 is one of 6 gas wells drilled and completed in an over-pressured gas reservoirs in-line with SPDC aspirations to leverage on the opportunities presented by deep and over-pressured gas plays in a bid to develop hydrocarbon reserves to meet existing gas supply commitments and growing domestic demands (driven by power and manufacturing sectors). The well sand-face completions incorporated a Formation Isolation Valve (FIV) which provided a temporary isolation of the high reservoir pressure (circa 9,400psi) allowing the safe deployment of the upper completions in a lower density fluid, thus creating a 3,200psi underbalance without the well flowing. Post well construction and prior to hooking up the well for production, an evaluation was made on the best well intervention method to actuate the closed FIV open, especially because the hydraulic "trip-saver" option of opening the FIV was deactivated during well construction making the mechanical option the only means. After due considerations of the well configuration, high reservoir and surface pressures, high differential pressure across the FIV and possibility of mud solids settlement on the FIV shifting profile hindering access, Coiled tubing (CT) was selected to deploy the FIV shifting tool to mechanically open the FIV. After many months of careful planning and preparation, the intervention was carried out successfully and the well tested to planned rate. This paper discusses the detailed job design and planning towards deployment of coiled tubing in a deep over-pressured well. Also highlighted are the key challenges and experiences gained which can be referred to as a benchmark for CT deployment in HPHT environment in the Niger delta.

Background There are several malaria preventive measures. The availability of a particular method does not guarantee its adherence and effective usage. This eventually may not provide the desired results for the fight against malaria. Pregnant women are at higher risk of contracting malaria, and therefore it is necessary that they should be protected against the infection. Objective of the study This cross-sectional study investigated the significant roles of various preventive measures against malaria infection among pregnant women attending four selected secondary health facilities in Kaduna state, Nigeria. Materials and methods Blood samples were collected from 353 pregnant women attending selected hospitals. Malaria parasite microscopy was conducted on the basis of standard protocols. Structured questionnaires were used to obtain data with regard to subject knowledge and practice of preventive measures against malaria. Results Out of the 353 subjects tested, 79 (22.4%) had malaria parasitaemia. One hundred and fifteen (32.6%) subjects used no preventive measure, 45 (12.7%) used sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine prophylaxis, 53 (15.0%) used insecticide treated nets (ITNs), 72 (20.4%) used indoor insecticide house spray, while 68 (19.3%) used > 1 preventive measures. Out of the 79 subjects infected with malaria, 57 (72.2%) do not know how to prevent malaria, while 22 (27.8%) had prior knowledge of malaria prevention. Highest cases (41 [51.9%]) of malaria parasitaemia were recorded in women with no knowledge of preventive measures during pregnancy, while women who used > 1 measures have the least cases (5 [6.3%]) of malaria parasitaemia. There was statistical association between the use of preventive measures and decreased malaria parasitaemia (P

A major serious source of pollution is the industrial effluent discharge by the process industries into the water bodies. Industrial effluent consists of water with varieties of potentially harmful substances. The study analysed the public health effects of effluents discharged from Kaduna textile industry into the waters of river Kaduna. Physicochemical qualities of effluents at the downstream were assessed. Parameters measured include pH, temperature, electrical conductivity, depth, turbidity, biological oxygen demand (BOD), dissolved oxygen, chemical oxygen demand, nitrate, sulphate, acidity, alkalinity, organic matter and carbon levels and these were simultaneously monitored in the river using standard methods. Unacceptable, high levels of the parameters were observed in the four sampling points during the study period and are severally outside the compliance levels of the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) Guidelines and World Health Organization (WHO) tolerance limits for domestic uses. The study recommend the need for the intervention of appropriate regulatory agencies to ensure production of high quality treated final effluents by wastewater treatment facilities in selected villages of Kaduna Key words: Pollution, textile industry, industrial effluent and water quality.

Background: Globally, there is a changing trend in the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of Gram-negative uropathogens to the conventional drugs used in the treatment of urinary tract infections due to the production of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs). Aim: This study aimed to determine ESBL production and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern in uropathogens. Materials and Methods: Five hundred urine samples submitted to the Medical Microbiology Department of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital from January to June 2012 were analyzed by conventional methods. Modified standardized Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method was used for antimicrobial susceptibility testing. ESBL production by Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates was screened for using the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines 2012 and confirmed by the double-disc synergy tests. Results: Five hundred samples were analyzed. Of these, a total of 175 Gram-negative isolates were obtained. Isolation rates were E. coli – 56%, K. pneumoniae – 20%, Proteus mirabilis – 16%, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa – 4%. ESBL production was observed in 34.3% of all the isolates. Fifty percent (50%) of E. coli and 40% of K. pneumoniae were identified as ESBL producers and were found to be resistant to multiple antimicrobial agents. Imipenem and nitrofurantoin had sensitivity of 100% and 70%, respectively, while susceptibility to ciprofloxacin and gentamicin was low at 35% and 30%, respectively, although 96% sensitivity was observed with amikacin. ESBL producers and nonproducers showed a high level of resistance of over 95% to ampicillin, amoxycillin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Conclusion: This study found a high rate of ESBL production (34.4%) among uropathogens with multidrug resistance. Clinical microbiology laboratories should routinely incorporate ESBL detection methods in their laboratory procedures for continuous surveillance of multidrug-resistant isolates and antibiograms to guide empirical therapy.

With increasing energy demand, cost optimization and environmental challenges; using smart techniques to produce multiple reservoirs in a single well is a much welcomed concept. Intelligent completions have been proven to be an efficient reservoir management tool and Shell Nigeria (SPDC) has tapped on this innovative technology to optimize production enhancement in one of its fields. In this paper an overview of the deployment of the first onshore intelligent well technology in one of the largest field in the Western Swamp area in Nigeria will be reviewed. The well is a part of the Nembe Creek Phase-1 campaign and serves as a pilot for the Phase-2 Smart Well campaign planned for 2013. This paper in detail describes the innovative techniques deployed and benefits of this smart completion are discussed with particular reference to Well A-1 SPDC's 1st smart completion was completed in May 2012. It consists of three (3) intervals - having one of the longest intervals perforated in SPDC (374ft cum length) which was perforated in a single trip system. This well also sets a trend worth replicating as it recorded the best completions installation time amongst competition in Nigeria. This was achieved by effective team work & thorough upfront planning. The paper will highlight details of the well design, installation/surface equipment hook up in addition to the well clean up and performance monitoring strategy. The paper also highlights lessons learned at each phase of the well project and describes how those lessons will be applied to ensure the next phase of intelligent completion system planned in the field will be implemented to ensure sustained success in smart well technology in Shell Nigeria.

Clinical microbiology laboratory plays several important roles in the management of bacterial infections. Isolation, identification of pathogenic microorganisms in cultures and subsequent antimicrobial susceptibility testing always assists in selecting appropriate antimicrobial agent and prevention of unnecessary complications. The most important and primary test to perform directly on some special samples such as cerebrospinal fluid and positive cultures is Gram staining which serves as the most rapid and simplest test to characterize microorganisms. It is therefore highly likely that the information provided by the Gram staining will help to assess the adequacy of preliminary diagnosis and antimicrobial therapy selected after collecting culture specimens and before final identification of the microorganism. In recent reports, the impact of Gram staining results on patient mortality has been documented. On the other hand, there remains the possibility that Gram staining results do not match with the final identification of microorganisms. This would carry a risk leading to inadequate antimicrobial therapy and potentially affecting patients' clinical course and mortality. The aim of this mini review is to analyze and discuss the clinical significance and limitations of reporting Gram staining results for sample meant for bacteriological investigations.