Comprehensive Control Measures Research Articles

Analyzing the Prevalence and Patterns of Antibiotic-Resistant Pathogens Causing Surgical Site Infections

Surgical Site Infections (SSIs) remain a critical healthcare challenge, contributing to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. SSIs represent the third most common nosocomial infection globally with an incidence of 19-20%, while their prevalence in Pakistan was significantly higher, ranging up to 33.6%. The emergence of Multidrug-Resistant (MDR) organisms has worsened this issue. Objective: To determine the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens responsible for SSIs and analyze their antibiotic susceptibility patterns over the past decade. Methods: A systematic review was conducted adhering to PRISMA guidelines. Studies published between 2006 and 2023 were included. Data on the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms associated with SSIs were extracted and analyzed through several databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Sci-hub and Science Direct) using Boolean logic “AND” and “OR”, and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH Terms) and keywords. A total of 70 articles were retrieved from which 16 articles were considered eligible after applying detailed inclusion/exclusion criteria and removing the duplicates and irrelevant articles. Results: The study identified Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative staphylococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Acinetobacter spp. as predominant MDR pathogens. A significant increase in the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant strains was observed over the study period. Gram-negative bacteria exhibited a higher resistance rate (66.8%) compared to Gram-positive organisms (51.1%). Conclusions: The increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens underscores the urgent need for comprehensive infection prevention and control measures to address the burden of SSIs. Targeted interventions, antimicrobial stewardship, and continued surveillance were essential to combat this growing challenge.

Critical measures for the prevention and control of respiratory infectious diseases in the workplace: a South African facilities management perspective

PurposeThis study aims to comprehensively examine the respiratory infection prevention and control measures used in South African workplaces, particularly in the context of facilities management (FM), during the 2020–2022 pandemic.Design/methodology/approachThe present research involved pre-crafted semi-structured interviews conducted by University of the Witwatersrand students with FM heads in Johannesburg, South Africa. Recurrent themes were generated using NVIVO software and analysed using frequencies, word counts and word clouds.FindingsThis study identified 119 measures and placed these into two broad categories. Twelve critical measures were found. These measures were further validated by five FM experts, separate from FM heads, who cross-referenced them with WHO guidelines, enhancing the credibility of the findings. Subsequently, challenges with implementing these measures were explored.Practical implicationsThe findings have direct relevance to the work of FM professionals, as they suggest that applying timely and comprehensive infection prevention and control measures can help employees to safely continue to work or return to the workplace during any future epidemic outbreaks.Originality/valueThus far, limited studies have explored critical measures used to prevent and control COVID-19 in the workplaces of developing countries during the 2020–2022 pandemic.

Assessment and Prediction of Health and Agricultural Impact from Combined PM2.5 and O3 Pollution in China

Combined PM2.5 and O3 pollution in China has caused negative health impacts on residents and reduced crop yields. The quantitative assessment and prediction of these impacts could provide a scientific basis for policy development. This study assessed the nationwide premature mortality, health effects, and crop damage attributable to PM2.5 and O3 pollution in 2019, and projected the associated health and agricultural losses under a business-as-usual (BAU) scenario for 2025. The economic benefits of improving air quality under different policy scenarios, including the 14th Five-Year Plan (FFP), Secondary Standard Limit (SSL), and Primary Standard Limit (PSL), were also explored. The results showed PM2.5 pollution in 2019 resulted in 246,000 all-cause premature deaths and the economic health loss was RMB 196.509 billion. Similarly, O3 pollution caused 186,300 premature deaths and the economic health loss was RMB 155.807 billion. O3 pollution has led to a loss of 28.5241 million tonnes of crop production and an economic loss of RMB 62.268 billion. Compared with 2019, the avoidable premature deaths from PM2.5 under different scenarios in 2025 were 50,600, 43,000, and 200,300 cases, respectively, exceeding the number of avoided premature deaths from O3 pollution. Compared with the BAU, reducing PM2.5 under different scenarios could generate economic benefits of RMB 70.178 billion, RMB 60.916 billion, and RMB 229.268 billion. Furthermore, the FFP scenario outperformed the SSL in mitigating winter wheat production losses caused by O3 pollution. These results provide important scientific support for the development and evaluation of future comprehensive pollution control measures for PM2.5 and O3.

Sequence types of enteroaggregative Escherichia coli strains recovered from human, animal, and environmental sources: India

In the current study, we report whole genome sequencing (WGS) data on EAEC strains from India to identify lineages and different sequence types (STs) in our geographical regions across North India. We performed WGS comparative genomics characterization to examine the diversity of 122 EAEC strains collected from a large geographic area from clinical (Human sources) and non-clinical sources (animal and environmental sources). M-PCR for 21 virulence genes was performed. A triplex PCR detected phylogenetic groups A, B1, B2, and D was done. All strains were genome-sequenced, and bioinformatics analysis was performed. EAEC isolates belonged to 29 sequence types, further clustered into 11 clonal complexes, among which CC38 was the largest, containing 38 isolates mainly belonging to two ST types (ST38 and ST315). CC10 was the most diverse group, comprising 8 STs (ST43, ST2706, ST1286, ST 10, ST167, ST34, ST227, and ST4305). The most frequently detected virulence gene among the 96 clinical EAEC isolates was astA (87.5%), followed by ORF3 (62.5%), and aap (54.1 %). ST131, known for multidrug resistance and causing various diseases, was detected in acute diarrhea cases and animal sources, underscoring its clinical significance. These findings indicate the high diversity of EAEC and different sources of unique ST types of EAEC. The study reinforces the One Health approach, highlighting the interconnection between human health, animal reservoirs, and environmental sources in EAEC transmission dynamics. The identification of EAEC strains in animals suggests the zoonotic potential of these pathogens, necessitating comprehensive surveillance and control measures. The study emphasizes the need for continued surveillance and a One Health approach to address the complex transmission dynamics of EAEC.

Occurrence and identification of lungworms in Iranian wild boars

This study represents the first investigation into the occurrence and identification of Metastrongylus spp. in wild boars (Sus scrofa) in Iran, utilizing both molecular and morphological methods. Thirteen wild boars from Kerman Province were examined, with 92.3% found to be infected with at least one species of Metastrongylus. Mixed infections were observed in 38.46% of the animals. Morphological and molecular analyses confirmed the presence of M. pudendotectus and M. salmi, with prevalence rates of 76.9% and 53.9%, respectively. Histopathological examination revealed transverse and longitudinal sections of Metastrongylus parasites within the airways, causing partial to complete obstruction, interstitial pneumonia, and inflammatory responses. The study also highlights the public health significance of these parasites. The higher prevalence observed compared to earlier studies suggests changes in environmental conditions, host dynamics, or agricultural practices as possible factors, warranting further investigation. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive surveillance and control measures to mitigate the risk of zoonotic transmission, particularly in regions with significant wild and domestic swine populations. This study contributes to the understanding of Metastrongylus spp. distribution and their pathological impact, emphasizing the ecological importance of wild boars and the necessity for continued monitoring and research to prevent and control infections in both animal and human populations.

Tobacco smoking-attributable mortality in Kenya, 2012-2021.

Tobacco smoking poses a significant risk for various diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, and cancers. In Kenya, tobacco-related deaths contribute substantially to non-communicable disease mortality. This study aims to quantify the mortality attributed to tobacco smoking in Kenya from 2012 to 2021. Employing a prevalence-based analysis model, the study utilized population attributable fraction (PAF) to estimate age-specific smoke attributable mortality (SAM) rates for individuals aged ≥35 years. Causes of death associated with tobacco use, including cancers, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, tuberculosis, and diabetes, were analyzed based on age, sex, and death records between 2012 and 2021. Over the study period, 60228 deaths were attributed to tobacco-related diseases, with an annual increase observed until 2016 and subsequent fluctuations. Respiratory diseases, diabetes mellitus, malignant cancers, tuberculosis, and cardiovascular diseases collectively accounted for 16.5% of deaths among individuals aged ≥35 years. Notable contributors were pneumonia and influenza (respiratory diseases), esophageal cancer (cancers), and cerebrovascular diseases (cardiovascular diseases). Of the observed deaths, 16.5% were attributed to smoking, with respiratory diseases (40.5%), malignant cancers (31.4%), tuberculosis (13%), cardiovascular diseases (8.9%), and diabetes mellitus (6.1%) contributing. Pneumonia and influenza, esophageal cancer, chronic airway obstruction, and tuberculosis were primary causes, comprising 70% of all SAM. Tobacco-related mortality is a significant public health concern in Kenya. Efforts should focus on preventing tobacco use and managing associated disease burdens. Smoking cessation initiatives and comprehensive tobacco control measures are imperative to mitigate the impact on population health.

Multidrug-resistant Organism and Antibiotic Sensitivity Patterns, before, during, and after the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic in the Dr. M. Djamil Central General Hospital, Padang, Indonesia

Abstract Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly impacted the prevalence and antibiotic sensitivity patterns of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs). This study aimed to investigate the MDRO incidence and antibiotic sensitivity trends before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic at Dr. M. Djamil Central General Hospital in Padang, Indonesia. Methods: A total of 5539 clinical samples were collected and analyzed using the VITEK2 system to identify MDRO types. The study periods were defined as before (prepandemic), during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: The incidence of MDROs increased significantly during and after the pandemic, with 1.64 and 1.42 times higher rates compared to the prepandemic period, respectively. Specific MDRO types that showed increased prevalence included Escherichia coli-producing extended-spectrum β-lactamases (Eco-ESBL), carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP), carbapenem-resistant E. coli (CREC), carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA), carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB), and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Antibiotic sensitivity decreased during and after the pandemic for K. pneumoniae-producing ESBL s, CRKP, and CRAB, as well as for CREC and CRPA during the pandemic. In contrast, antibiotic sensitivity increased for Eco-ESBL and MRSA during and after the pandemic. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly contributed to the increased incidence of MDROs and decreased antibiotic effectiveness against these pathogens in the study setting. These findings highlight the need for comprehensive infection control measures and antimicrobial stewardship programs to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on MDRO epidemiology.

Comprehensive Utilization and Control Measures of Iron and Steel Slag

With the increase of steel production, the amount of steel slag piled up is on the rise. The article analyzes the current situation of blast furnace slag utilization, elaborates on the current treatment technology of blast furnace slag, and points out that in the future, the utilization of blast furnace slag will develop towards the direction of developing high value-added products, and the sensible heat recovery rate of blast furnace slag is expected to increase. Analyze the current application status and treatment process of converter slag. The comprehensive treatment technology of converter slag is limited by multiple factors, and it is proposed to control converter slag from the production source through "slag recycling".

Schistosomiasis transmission in Zimbabwe: Modelling based on machine learning

Zimbabwe, located in Southern Africa, faces a significant public health challenge due to schistosomiasis. We investigated this issue with emphasis on risk prediction of schistosomiasis for the entire population. To this end, we reviewed available data on schistosomiasis in Zimbabwe from a literature search covering the 1980-2022 period considering the potential impact of 26 environmental and socioeconomic variables obtained from public sources. We studied the population requiring praziquantel with regard to whether or not mass drug administration (MDA) had been regularly applied. Three machine-learning algorithms were tested for their ability to predict the prevalence of schistosomiasis in Zimbabwe based on the mean absolute error (MAE), the root mean squared error (RMSE) and the coefficient of determination (R2). The findings revealed different roles of the 26 factors with respect to transmission and there were particular variations between Schistosoma haematobium and S. mansoni infections. We found that the top-five correlation factors, such as the past (rather than current) time, unsettled MDA implementation, constrained economy, high rainfall during the warmest season, and high annual precipitation were closely associated with higher S. haematobium prevalence, while lower elevation, high rainfall during the warmest season, steeper slope, past (rather than current) time, and higher minimum temperature in the coldest month were rather related to higher S. mansoni prevalence. The random forest (RF) algorithm was considered as the formal best model construction method, with MAE = 0.108; RMSE = 0.143; and R2 = 0.517 for S. haematobium, and with the corresponding figures for S. mansoni being 0.053; 0.082; and 0.458. Based on this optimal model, the current total schistosomiasis prevalence in Zimbabwe under MDA implementation was 19.8%, with that of S. haematobium at 13.8% and that of S. mansoni at 7.1%, requiring annual MDA based on a population of 3,003,928. Without MDA, the current total schistosomiasis prevalence would be 23.2%, that of S. haematobium 17.1% and that of S. mansoni prevalence at 7.4%, requiring annual MDA based on a population of 3,521,466. The study reveals that MDA alone is insufficient for schistosomiasis elimination, especially that due to S. mansoni. This study predicts a moderate prevalence of schistosomiasis in Zimbabwe, with its elimination requiring comprehensive control measures beyond the currently used strategies, including health education, snail control, population surveillance and environmental management.

Analysis of the direct economic impact of smoking-related hospitalizations in Italy.

Tobacco-related diseases have a substantial economic impact in terms of medical expenses, loss of productivity, and premature death. Tobacco use is estimated to be responsible for more than 90000 deaths each year in Italy. We aimed to evaluate the annual direct economic impact on the National Health System of hospitalizations attributable to tobacco smoking in Italy. We analyzed data from all the hospitalizations of patients aged ≥30 years that occurred in Italy for 12 selected tobacco-related diseases, during 2018. These diseases included oropharyngeal cancer, esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, bladder cancer, laryngeal cancer, ischemic heart disease, stroke, diseases of arteries, arterioles, and capillaries, pneumonia and influenza, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. We obtained information on 984322 hospital discharge records, including each hospitalization's direct costs. Using relative risk estimates from the scientific literature, we computed the population attributable fraction for various tobacco-related diseases to estimate the economic impact attributable to tobacco smoking. One-third of all hospitalizations occurred in 2018 in Italy among people aged ≥30 years for 12 tobacco-related diseases were found to be attributable to smoking, accounting for a total cost of €1.64 billion. Among the diseases considered, those with the highest expenditures attributable to tobacco smoking were ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, and lung cancer, accounting for €556 million, €290 million, and €229 million, respectively. Tobacco has a substantial economic impact in Italy, accounting for around 6% of the total cost of hospitalizations in 2018. This figure is expected to be largely underestimated due to several conservative assumptions adopted in the statistical analyses. It is imperative to prioritize comprehensive tobacco control measures to counteract the huge healthcare costs due to tobacco smoking.

Deciphering Trends in Cancer Mortality: A Comprehensive Analysis of Brazilian Data From 1979 to 2021 With Emphasis on Breast and Prostate Cancers.

This study examined cancer mortality trends in Brazil from 1979 to 2021, emphasizing breast and prostate cancers. Utilizing data from the Brazilian Mortality Information System and the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, it analyzed cancer deaths nationally and regionally, highlighting gender-specific and regional disparities. The research finds that cancer death rates have been growing at an average of 12% per year, contrasting with the population growth rate of 2.2%. This trend is more pronounced in the southern and southeastern regions of Brazil. A comparison of cancer mortality rates between Brazil, the USA, and China reveals that while the Brazilian and Chinese rates exhibit slower growth, the US rate shows a continuous decline since the 1990s. The study adopts a novel approach by focusing on growth rates and employing polynomial interpolation, revealing a deceleration in cancer death growth over the last 15 years across all malignant neoplasms. The study also contextualizes these findings within Brazil's cancer control policies, tracing the evolution of preventive measures and treatment advancements. It highlights the significant role of the National Cancer Institute and the Unified Health System in implementing effective strategies. The decreasing trend in cancer mortality rates in Brazil, despite population growth, illustrates the effectiveness of comprehensive cancer control and prevention measures, underlining their importance in public health policy.

Molecular prevalence and genotypic diversity of Theileria equi and Babesia caballi infecting horses in Kyrgyzstan

Equine piroplasmosis is caused by Theileria equi and Babesia caballi, which are hemoprotozoan parasites. Understanding the epidemiology and genotypes of T. equi and B. caballi is crucial for developing effective control strategies in endemic countries. However, the endemic status of these two parasite species remains uncertain in Kyrgyzstan due to lack of surveys. Our study, therefore, aimed to detect T. equi and B. caballi infections in Kyrgyzstan and identify their genotypes. Blood samples were collected from 226 horses across all seven provinces of Kyrgyzstan, namely Chuy, Issyk-Kul, Naryn, Talas, Jalal-Abad, Osh, and Batken. These blood samples were subjected to DNA extraction, followed by specific PCR assays targeting T. equi and B. caballi. We found that 56 (24.8%, confidence interval (CI): 19.6–30.8%) and 7 (3.1%, CI: 1.5–6.3%) of the tested horses were positive for T. equi and B. caballi infections, respectively. Theileria equi was detected in all surveyed provinces, whereas B. caballi was found in five provinces, except for Talas and Osh. Subsequent genotype-specific PCR assays showed that T. equi-positive horses harbored all five genotypes: A, B, C (also known as Theileria haneyi), D, and E. On the other hand, phylogenetic analysis of B. caballi rap-1 sequences detected the genotypes A and B1. The prevalence of T. equi and B. caballi suggests a potential risk of clinical equine piroplasmosis among horses in Kyrgyzstan, and the observed genotypic diversity underscores the challenges in managing the disease. Our findings emphasize the need for comprehensive control measures to effectively address equine piroplasmosis in Kyrgyzstan.

Bartonella species in dromedaries and ruminants from Lower Shabelle and Benadir regions, Somalia.

Bartonellosis, caused by bacteria of the genus Bartonella, is a zoonotic disease with several mammalian reservoir hosts. In Somalia, a country heavily reliant on livestock, zoonotic diseases pose significant public health and economic challenges. To the best of our knowledge, no study has been performed aiming to verify the occurrence of Bartonella spp. in Somalia. This study investigated the occurrence and molecular characterization of Bartonella in dromedary (Camelus dromedarius, Linnaeus, 1758), cattle, sheep, and goats from Somalia. 530 blood samples were collected from various animals (155 dromedary, 199 goat, 131 cattle, and 45 sheep) in Benadir and Lower Shabelle regions. DNA was extracted for molecular analysis, and a qPCR assay targeting the NADH dehydrogenase gamma subunit (nuoG) gene was used for Bartonella screening. Positive samples were also subjected to PCR assays targeting seven molecular markers including: nuoG, citrate synthase gene (gltA), RNA polymerase beta-subunit gene (rpoB), riboflavin synthase gene (ribC), 60 kDa heat-shock protein gene (groEL), cell division protein gene (ftsZ), and pap31 and qPCR targeting the 16-23S rRNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) followed by Sanger sequencing, BLASTn and phylogenetic analysis. Out of 530 tested animals, 5.1% were positive for Bartonella spp. by the nuoG qPCR assay. Goats showed the highest Bartonella occurrence (17/199, 8.5%), followed by sheep (6/44, 6.8%), cattle (4/131, 3.1%), and dromedary (1/155, 1.9%). Goats, sheep, and cattle had higher odds of infection compared to dromedary. Among nuoG qPCR-positive samples, 11.1%, 14.8%, 11.1%, and 25.9% were positive in PCR assays based on nuoG, gltA, and pap31 genes, and in the qPCR based on the ITS region, respectively. On the other hand, nuoG qPCR-positive samples were negative in the PCR assays targeting the ribC, rpoB, ftsZ, and groEL genes. While Bartonella bovis sequences were detected in cattle (nuoG and ITS) and goats (gltA), Bartonella henselae ITS sequences were detected in dromedary, goat, and sheep. Phylogenetic analysis placed gltA Bartonella sequence from a goat in the same clade of B. bovis. The present study showed, for the first time, molecular evidence of Bartonella spp. in dromedary and ruminants from Somalia and B. henselae in sheep and goats globally. These findings contribute valuable insights into Bartonella spp. occurrence in Somali livestock, highlighting the need for comprehensive surveillance and control measures under the One Health approach.

Research on process parameter optimization of irregular coal face.

Based on the engineering background of 1353 working face in Daizhuang Coalmine, the paper identifies three primary issues with the working face mining process: conventional pressure relief means are limited, risk of impact and the length of working face changes, It also proposes comprehensive control measures to improve the blasting roof cutting scheme, optimize mining speed and the location of the stopping line. The three improvement measures mentioned above are simulated numerically, and the effects of the drilling and blasting plan, mining speed, and stopping line location on stress distribution are determined. The results show that by implementing the three improvement measures, the stress variation interval can be efficiently controlled and the working face's production safety can be increased. Finally, it is determined that the 1353 working face of Daizhuang Coalmine adopts the pressure relief method of drilling on one side and cutting the roof 20m deep on the other side, and the mining speed of the working face is 3m/day and the length of the stopping line is 85m. Based on the on-site monitoring results, the implementation of comprehensive treatment measures can effectively improve the surrounding rock state of 1353 working face, which has certain guiding significance for the mining of irregular working face.

Epidemiological Surveillance of Respiratory Diseases in Urban Stray Cats in Shanghai.

Urban stray cats are cats without owners that survive in the wild for extended periods of time. They are one of the most common stray animals in cities, and as such, monitoring the pathogens carried by urban stray cats is an important component of urban epidemiological surveillance. In order to understand the prevalence of respiratory diseases in urban stray cats in Shanghai and provide scientific evidence for the development of targeted prevention and control strategies for respiratory diseases in stray cats, we collected 374 ocular, nasal, and oropharyngeal swabs from urban stray cats in Shanghai from January 2022 to December 2022. After RNA extraction, we used real-time PCR to detect six respiratory pathogens, including influenza A virus, feline calicivirus, feline herpesvirus type 1, Mycoplasma, Chlamydia, and Bordetella bronchiseptica. The results showed that among the 374 samples, 146 tested positive, with a positivity rate of 39.04%. The highest positivity rate was observed for Mycoplasma felis at 18.72% (70/374), followed by Chlamydia felis at 11.76% (44/374), feline calicivirus at 3.74% (14/374), feline herpesvirus 1 at 3.48% (13/374), Bordetella bronchiseptica at 1.34% (5/374), and influenza A virus was not detected. The highest positivity rate for Mycoplasma felis was in Minhang District at 31.94% (23/72), while Chlamydia felis and Bordetella bronchiseptica had the highest positivity rates in Jiading District at 23.53% (8/34) and 5.88% (2/34), respectively. The highest positivity rates for feline calicivirus and feline herpesvirus 1 were both observed in Qingpu District, at 14.46% (12/83) and 9.64% (8/83), respectively. A total of 36 samples showed mixed infections with two or more pathogens, with Mycoplasma felis being involved in 32 of these mixed infections, with the highest number of mixed infections being with Chlamydia felis at 25 samples. Respiratory pathogen positivity was detected throughout the year, with peak detection rates in summer and winter. The positivity rates of cat respiratory pathogens in different seasons showed statistical differences (χ2 = 27.73, p < 0.01). There was no statistical difference in the positivity rates of respiratory pathogens between cats of different genders (χ2 = 0.92, p > 0.05). The positivity rates of respiratory pathogens in cats of different age groups showed statistical differences (χ2 = 44.41, p < 0.01). Mycoplasma felis and Chlamydia felis were the main pathogens causing respiratory infections in stray cats, with Mycoplasma felis showing a much higher positivity rate than other respiratory pathogens and often co-infecting with Chlamydia felis and feline calicivirus. The positivity rate of Mycoplasma felis was high in summer, autumn, and winter, with no statistical difference between seasons. These results indicate a serious overall prevalence of respiratory pathogens in urban stray cats in the Shanghai area, showing seasonal trends and mixed infections with other pathogens. These findings suggest the need for comprehensive prevention and control measures to address respiratory pathogen infections in urban stray cats in the Shanghai area.

Patterns and socioeconomic differences in secondhand exposure to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and heated tobacco products at home in Hong Kong adolescents.

Smoke or aerosols from cigarettes, e-cigarettes (ECs), or heated tobacco products (HTPs) are harmful. Yet, there is little knowledge about the specific patterns of secondhand tobacco exposure by source within household settings and the socioeconomic status (SES) differences in adolescents. We used territory-representative student data from a cross-sectional school-based survey in 2020-2021 to calculate the weighted prevalence of secondhand exposure to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and HTPs in the past seven days. Parental education and perceived family affluence were used as indicators of socioeconomic status. Generalized linear mixed models were used to analyze associations. Among 22039 participants, 29.8% reported any secondhand tobacco exposure (SH-Any) at home, primarily from cigarettes (27.4%), followed by e-cigarettes (4.0%) and HTPs (0.9%). Tertiary parental education level was associated with lower SH-Any exposure (Adjusted odds ratio, AOR=0.49; 95% CI: 0.45-0.53, p<0.001), fewer exposure days (β= -0.685, p<0.001), lower exposure to cigarettes (SH-CC) (AOR=0.49; 95% CI: 0.45-0.54, p<0.001) and to e-cigarettes or HTPs (SH-EC/HTP) (AOR=0.57; 95% CI: 0.45-0.71, p<0.001). 'Poor' family affluence was associated with higher exposures [AOR(SH-Any) =1.14; 95% CI: 1.06-1.22, p=0.001; β(days)=0.160, p<0.001; AOR(SH-CC) =1.15; 95% CI: 1.07-1.24, p<0.001], except for SH-EC/HTP exposure, which was higher in students in an affluent family (AOR =1.66; 95% CI: 1.25-2.21, p<0.001). Significant SES differences in SH-EC/HTP exposure were found only in groups with low parental education level. Dose-response relationships were found between lower SH-Any and SH-CC and higher SES categories (p for trend<0.001). Adolescents experienced a high prevalence of tobacco smoke exposure at home, primarily from cigarettes. Higher SES was associated with lower tobacco exposure, except for SH-EC/HTP, which was higher among adolescents from affluent families. Additionally, high parental education level was protective against exposure to SH-EC/HTP. Comprehensive control measures to reduce the use of these tobacco products are needed to protect adolescents of diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.

Effects of rainfall patterns, vegetation cover types and antecedent soil moisture on run‐off and soil loss of typical Luvisol in southern China

AbstractIdentifying the effect of precipitation, vegetation cover and underlying surface conditions on run‐off and soil loss is essential for understanding the mechanism of water erosion. The study site is located in the Shiqiaopu watershed of Hubei Province, China. The long‐term (2017–2021) monitoring data for this study included rainfall characteristics, antecedent soil moisture, run‐off and soil loss in four run‐off plots with four vegetation cover types (tea garden, soybean and rape, peanut and rape, and vetiver zizanioides). K‐means clustering and discriminant analysis were used to classify rainfall patterns. The improved redundancy analysis was used to quantitatively explore the relative importance of rainfall characteristics, vegetation cover and antecedent soil moisture to run‐off and soil loss. The results showed that the rainfall patterns were mainly divided into three categories: A (medium duration, small rainfall, medium rain intensity, high frequency), B (long duration, large rainfall, light rain intensity, low frequency) and C (short duration, medium rainfall, heavy rain intensity, medium frequency). The average run‐off coefficient, run‐off depth of different rainfall patterns were C &gt; B &gt; A, and the cumulative run‐off depth and soil loss under the A rainfall pattern were the largest. For the run‐off plots with four vegetation cover types, vetiver zizanioides had the best effect on run‐off and sediment reduction, while peanut and rape had the worst effect. The driving factor that contributed the most to the run‐off depth was vegetation cover (19.36%), and rainfall characteristics explained the most to the soil loss (11.65%). We also found that although antecedent soil moisture had a small explanation rate for soil loss, it was significantly correlated with the run‐off depth under the vegetation cover of the tea garden. Therefore, regional soil erosion should be combined with the importance of driving factors to take comprehensive control measures.

Quality Control in Regional Blood Center QC Laboratory

Implementing comprehensive quality control measures in Regional Blood Center (RBC) laboratory services is indispensable for ensuring the accuracy, reliability, and consistency of transfusion-transmitted infectious screening results. These measures not only identify and address potential issues but also uphold the highest standards in analysis and testing. Below, we explore deeper into the critical aspects of quality control in laboratory services especially in the Regional Blood Center laboratory followed by American association of blood banking.

Long-term variations of air pollutants and public exposure in China during 2000–2020

Since 2000, China has faced severe air pollution challenges，prompting the initiation of comprehensive emission control measures post-2013. The subsequent implementation of these measures has led to remarkable enhancements in air quality. This study aims to enhance our understanding of the long-term trends in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and gaseous pollutants of ozone (O3) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) across China from 2000 to 2020. Utilizing the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model, we conducted a nationwide analysis of air quality, systematically quantifying model predictions against observations for pollutants. The CMAQ model effectively captured the trends of air pollutants, meeting recommended performance benchmarks. The findings reveal variations in pollutant concentrations, with initial increases in PM2.5 followed by a decline after 2013. The proportion of the population living in high PM2.5 concentrations (>75 μg/m3) decreased to <5 % after 2015. However, during the period from 2017 to 2020, around 40 % of the population continued to live in regions that did not meet the criteria for Chinese air quality standards (35 μg/m3). From 2000 to 2019, fewer than 20 % of the population met the WHO standard (100 μg/m3) for MDA8 O3. In 2000, 77 % of the population met the NO2 standard (<20 μg/m3), a figure that declined to 60 % between 2005 and 2014, nearly reaching 70 % in 2020. This study offers a comprehensive analysis of the changes in pollutants and public exposure in 2000–2020. It serves as a foundational resource for future efforts in air pollution control and health research.

Prevalence, Antimicrobial Resistance, and Characterization of Listeria Spp. Isolated from Various Sources in Ethiopia: A Comprehensive Review.

Listeriosis is an important foodborne zoonotic disease affecting humans and animals in Ethiopia. This review aims to synthesize the epidemiology, prevalence, distribution, and antimicrobial resistance of Listeria species in the country. The literature reveals a widespread occurrence of Listeria infection in humans, animals, and food products, with an average prevalence of 21.6% for Listeria species and 6.9% for L. monocytogenes. Three sequence types (STs) of L. monocytogenes (2, 145, and 18) and twelve STs of L. innocua (1489, 1619, 603, 537, 1010, 3186, 492, 3007, 1087, 474, 1008, and 637) were reported from milk and dairy products. Contamination rates ranged from 4.1% to 42.9% across livestock, dairy, slaughterhouses, and processing facilities, indicating faults in production practices. Sporadic human listeriosis outbreaks have occurred since 1967, causing meningitis, perinatal infections, and deaths, with recent studies showing L. monocytogenes isolation in up to 10.4% of febrile patients, confirming foodborne transmission. Non-pathogenic Listeria species were also common on farms and in facilities. Ovine listeriosis poses a threat to Ethiopia's sheep and goat industries, with over 40% seroprevalence in some herds. Comprehensive control measures across the food chain are needed to curb contamination and protect public health. Isolates from various foods show antibiotic resistance to first-line agents but susceptibility to others like gentamicin and cephalosporins. In conclusion, this review synthesizes evidence on Listeria distribution in Ethiopia's food system and disease burden, highlighting the need for improved food safety policies and awareness.