Health Dangers Research Articles

Nurses’ Perspectives of Geophagic Women of Childbearing Age Accessing Healthcare in the Reproductive Healthcare Services in Tshwane District, Gauteng Province: An Exploratory Study

Geophagy is an ancient widespread practice that is common amongst women of childbearing age globally. Geophagy is one of the leading causes of iron deficiency and pregnancy complications amongst women of childbearing age resulting in maternal, neonatal, and child morbidities and mortalities globally. The concept of geophagy has yet to be incorporated in the reproductive health services in the healthcare facilities. A qualitative study was conducted using focus group discussions and in-depth interviews to explore the views/perspectives of nurses regarding geophagic women of childbearing age accessing healthcare in the reproductive healthcare services in Tshwane District, Gauteng Province. The findings revealed that nurses perceived geophagic women of childbearing age to be iron deficient and lack proper knowledge and understanding of the potential health risks and dangers of soil eating. Mental health and substance use disorders, food and nutrition deficiencies, absence of geophagy health education, and promotion programs were highlighted as some of the aspects that play a role towards the practice of geophagy amongst women of childbearing age accessing healthcare in Tshwane District, Gauteng Province. Thus, a conclusion can be made that geophagy health education and promotion programs in the antenatal care units must be prioritized by government.

First Detection of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in Migratory Birds in Egypt: Antibiogram, Virulence, and Resistance Gene Profiles Indicating Zoonotic and Public Health Risks.

This study examined the occurrence of Vibrio parahaemolyticus obtained from migrating birds, marking the first instance of such research conducted in Egypt. The study assessed potential risks using an antibiogram, virulence characteristics, antibiotic-resistance, and gene profile. Randomly collected 80 samples were tested for V. parahaemolyticus. Eleven (13.75%) samples were V. parahaemolyticus-contaminated. All isolates were positive for 16SrRNA and species-specific toxR genes. Interestingly, our strain is genetically similar to human and shrimp isolates, suggesting zoonotic transmission may pose a health danger. All isolates had 100% l-lysine decarboxylase, 45.45% beta-hemolytic, and 100% l-ornithine decarboxylase activity. All isolates displayednol-arginine decarboxylase activity. Notably, every isolate possessed a minimum of two virulence genes. In addition, the profiles of virulence genes were identified, tdh + /trh + (27.3%), tdh-/trh + (27.3%), and tdh + /trh- (45.4%). Out of the V. parahaemolyticus isolates, 18.2% (2/11) were extensively drug-resistant (XDR) to six different antimicrobials classes and possessed the blaTEM, blaOXA, sul1, and tetA genes. Furthermore, 63.6% of the isolates displayed multidrug resistance (MDR). The correlation highlights a strong relationship between phenotypic and genotypic resistance. Besides thestrong correlation between virulence and resistance genes.In summary, this work highlighted the presence of newly identified MDR and XDR V. parahaemolyticus carried toxR, trh, and tdh virulence genes, as well as blaTEM, blaOXA, sul1, and tetA resistance genes in migratory birds, indicating a significant public health risk.

Two Sporadic Cases of Legionellosis Associated with the Use of Domestic Ultrasonic Humidifiers.

Two sporadic cases of legionellosis occurring in consecutive years were confirmed by positive antigenuria to Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 in individuals with limited mobility who were confined to their homes. Both cases had a history of using ultrasonic humidifiers and of low exposure to other possible sources of infection. This study was conducted through an expanded epidemiological survey and home inspection. Samples were collected from domestic hot water and humidifiers. Environmental isolates were characterised by immunoagglutination and immunofluorescence. The Dresden panel is employed for the determination of groups and subgroups of serogroup 1. The amoebae were isolated by water filtration and subsequent cultivation of the filters. Identification of the isolates was conducted through the sequencing of PCR products. In both cases, epidemiological studies identified the ultrasonic humidifiers as the probable source of infection. The presence of Legionella pneumophila was confirmed in the sanitary water installation and in the humidifiers, where high values of Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 counts were also obtained. The isolates were characterised as Olda Oxford and Olda OLDA. Furthermore, in addition to the Legionella isolates, the presence of Vermamoeba vermiformis was also identified in samples obtained from domestic hot water and humidifiers in one of the residential addresses under investigation. It has been demonstrated that humidifiers can act as an amplification mechanism for pathogenic microorganisms when they are not cleaned and maintained correctly. This can pose a health danger, especially to people with previous respiratory pathologies, the immunosuppressed, and the elderly. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that professionals who recommend the therapeutic use of this equipment should issue warnings regarding the importance of its correct use, cleaning, and disinfection. Finally, humidifiers should be considered in epidemiological surveys and in the study of sporadic cases.

Sugar, A Morally Ambiguous Substance: Responsibility, Social Class and Pleasure in Scotland’s State Primary Schools

Children’s sugar consumption has been marked out as an important area of public health policymaking in the UK, due to connections between sugar consumption, obesity, type 2 diabetes and dental decay. Yet unlike other regulated substances (alcohol, tobacco, e-cigarettes), ‘moderate’ or ‘responsible’ sugar consumption, rather than abstinence, is the desired policy outcome. Based on ethnographic fieldwork in Edinburgh in 2018–19 in two demographically mixed Scottish state primary schools, I examine how school staff navigate this space of lenience written into state health policy—whereby some sugar can be consumed, sometimes. The public health dangers of sugar consumption, coupled with its relational pleasures (through associations with kinship, nurture and celebration) help illuminate how schools—as responsible agents—attempt to care for and govern children. It is sugar’s ambiguity, I argue, that enables it to become a crucial tool for children’s socialisation. Where and how sugar can be consumed responsibly, and which pleasures are deemed permissible or excessive, vary contextually: they are shaped through social class, and depend on the school policy being enacted. Beyond being an object to regulate, children’s pleasures in sugar are central to affective, social and class-informed practices of creating morally responsible persons.

Rapid Detection of Aflatoxin Production by Aspergillus Flavus Using Coconut Agar Medium

Certain fungal species develop toxic substances called aflatoxins, which are extremely dangerous to both human and animal health. This study focuses on the identification and detection of fungi that produce aflatoxin, which is a serious health danger because of its carcinogenic and poisonous qualities. Using both macroscopic and microscopic techniques, fungal isolates were collected and described in accordance with the taxonomic standards established by Klich & Pitt. Fluorescence under UV light, which revealed the presence of aflatoxins, demonstrated the usefulness of the study's use of coconut agar medium (CAM) for the quick analysis of aflatoxin production. The detrimental consequences of aflatoxins are emphasized in the conclusion, along with the significance of creating quick and precise detection techniques to reduce the hazards involved.

Deleterious Biological Effects of Endocrine Disruptors: An Insight into Human Health Risks.

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are environmental pollutants. Since EDCs are present in various consumer products, contamination of human beings is very common. EDCs have deleterious effects on various systems of the body, especially the endocrine and reproductive systems. EDCs interfere with the synthesis, metabolism, binding, or cellular responses of natural estrogens and alter various pathways. Biological samples such as blood, saliva, milk, placental tissue, and hair are frequently used for biomonitoring and the detection of EDCs. Early detection and intervention may help in preventing congenital anomalies and birth defects. The common methods for determining the presence of EDCs in body fluids include gas chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography, and mass spectrometry. Understanding the health effects and dangers of EDC is important, given their widespread use. This mini-review aims to summarize the adverse biological effects of several important classes of EDCs and highlights future perspectives for appropriate control.

The Potential of Thymus serpyllum Essential Oil as an Antibacterial Agent against Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the Preservation of Sous Vide Red Deer Meat.

Foodborne infections caused by microbes are a serious health risk. Regarding this, customer preferences for "ready-to-eat" or minimally processed (MP) deer meat are one of the main risk factors. Given the health dangers associated with food, essential oil (EO) is a practical substitute used to decrease pathogenic germs and extend the shelf-life of MP meals. Nonetheless, further data regarding EO use in MP meals are required. In order to evaluate new, safer alternatives to chemicals for disease control and food preservation, this research was carried out in the following areas to assess the antibacterial and antibiofilm characteristics of Thymus serpyllum (TSEO) essential oil, which is extracted from dried flowering stalks. Furthermore, this study applied an essential oil of wild thyme and inoculated the sous vide deer meat with Pseudomonas aeruginosa for seven days at 4 °C in an effort to prolong its shelf-life. Against P. aeruginosa, the essential oil exhibited potent antibacterial action. The findings of the minimal biofilm inhibition concentration (MBIC) crystal violet test demonstrated the substantial antibiofilm activity of the TSEO. The TSEO modified the protein profiles of bacteria on glass and plastic surfaces, according to data from MALDI-TOF MS analysis. Moreover, it was discovered that P. aeruginosa was positively affected by the antibacterial properties of TSEO. The anti-Pseudomonas activity of the TSEO was marginally higher in vacuum-packed sous vide red deer meat samples than in control samples. The most frequently isolated species from sous vide deer meat, if we do not consider the applied bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, were P. fragi, P. lundensis, and P. taetrolens. These results highlight the antibacterial and antibiofilm qualities of TSEO, demonstrating its potential for food preservation and extending the shelf-life of deer meat.

Adulteration and Assessment of Raw Milk Quality in and Nearby Areas of Palampur Himachal Pradesh, India

Milk is one of the essential food for human intake, especially for growing children, which contains various proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. However, milk is prone to adulteration, minimizing its quality and safety even as it has numerous benefits to consumers. Present research monitored the physicochemical quality and the level of adulteration observed for the milk samples which were directly retrieved from the consumer’s door. The study established that there was variations in different studied parameters in 120 collected raw milk samples where CLR (27.16±5.15), fat (4.07±1.53), SNF (7.94±1.70), Total solid (12.00%), Protein (2.92±0.58%), Lactose (4.38±0.82), Minerals (0.65±0.12) were assessed. As for the intentionally added substances formalin, starch, cellulose, maltose and boric acid were not present, while ammonium sulphate (9.10%), urea (6.66%), neutralizers (2.50%), detergent (10%), sodium chloride (30%), skim milk powder (1.66%), sugar (2.50%), glucose (3.33%), hydrogen peroxide (45.83%) and pond water were found in different percentages. The investigation was carried out on the problem of adulteration faced and awareness regarding the quality of milk and its variations which was needed for better quality check system. The investigation made awareness amongst the society about the health dangers linked with the contaminated milk advancements in dairy equipment’s and farming techniques can also enhance the milk quality. Testing helped to measure the nutritional contents of milk including fats, vitamins and minerals. Study provided information about factors affecting milk quality and better storage conditions.

Covering the Start of the Anthropocene: The US News Media and 1950s H-Bomb Tests

ABSTRACT The 1950s H-bomb tests by the United States are a turning point in the history of technology—and today are seen by some scientists as the start of the Anthropocene, the current geological era of human planetary dominance. This paper examines how US news organizations covered the scientific debates surrounding fallout risks. Journalists were caught between official secrecy and growing scientific concern over global health dangers that later played a role in emerging anti-nuclear, environmental, and climate movements.

Numerical simulation in magnetic resonance imaging radiofrequency dosimetry

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) employs a radiofrequency electromagnetic field to create pictures on a computer. The prospective biological consequences of exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF EMFs) have not yet been demonstrated, and there is not enough evidence on biological hazards to offer a definite response concerning possible RF health dangers. Therefore, it is crucial to research the health concerns in reaction to RF EMFs, considering the entire exposure in terms of patients receiving MRI. Monitoring increases in temperature in-vivo throughout MRI scan is extremely invasive and has resulted in a rise in the utilization of computational methods to estimate distributions of temperatures. The purpose of this study is to estimate the absorbed power of the brain exposed to RF in patients undergoing brain MRI scan. A three-dimensional Penne’s bio-heat equation was modified to computationally analyze the temperature distributions and potential thermal effects within the brain during MRI scans in the 0.3 T to 1.5 T range (12.77 MHz to 63.87 MHz). The instantaneous temperature distributions of the in-vivo tissue in the brain temperatures measured at a time, t = 20.62 s is 0.2 °C and t = 30.92 s is 0.4 °C, while the highest temperatures recorded at 1.03 min and 2.06 min were 0.4 °C and 0.6 °C accordingly. From the temperature distributions of the in-vivo tissue in the brain temperatures measured, there is heat build-up in patients who are exposed to electromagnetic frequency ranges, and, consequently, temperature increases within patients are difficult to prevent. The study has, however, indicated that lengthier imaging duration appears to be related to increasing body temperature.

Exploring Natural Solutions: Botanical Approaches for Controlling Early Blight in Tomato Plants under Laboratory Conditions

Around the world, Alternaria solani is the culprit behind the deadly and devastating early blight of tomatoes. To control the mycelial growth of A. solani in this investigation, a concentration of 10% for each plant extract was examined using the poison food technique. In comparison to the control, the pathogen mycelial growth was greatly suppressed by all examined extracts. With a 90.54% inhibition at 10% concentration, garlic clove extract proved to be the most successful of the extracts. Other extracts that showed promise were neem leaf extract (87.83%), ginger (83.78%), eucalyptus (75.67%), bael (71.67%), onion bulb extract (68.67%), and ashwagandha (63.51%). On the other hand, with a mycelial growth of 35 mm and 52.70% inhibition, lantana proved to be the least successful. After seven days of incubation at 24°C, the chemical fungicide mancozeb proved to be the most effective overall, offering a 93.24% inhibition at a 0.25% dose. Chemicals pose health dangers even though farmers use them extensively to control tomato rot. This study provides useful information for farmers by highlighting appropriate plant extracts as less risky substitutes for treating tomato early blight.

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Medical Waste Management for Healthcare Providers in Two of Government Hospitals in Karbala, Iraq

Background: Medical waste is a significant health danger and environmental pollution problem due to its hazardous composition. The expertise and practice of healthcare staff in the proper removal of medical waste is essential for good medical waste management. The purpose of this study was to analyze the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to medical waste management among healthcare workers in hospitals in Karbala/Iraq. Materials and Methods: descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a questionnaire distributed to health care providers in two selected hospitals in Karbala/ Iraq. Results: The results showed the good level of knowledge, attitudes and practices of healthcare providers towards medical waste. There is statistical significance between health care providers' knowledge, attitudes and practices towards medical waste, and their educational level and training courses. In addition to the recording of the statistical significance that were between knowledge with attitudes and practices. The levels can be categorized as positive but it is important to focus on increasing and improving the training of health care providers as it is the basis of the medical waste treatment process. Conclusion: increasing knowledge is one of the best tools to maintain proper workflow in isolating medical waste and maintaining the safety of employees, patients, and the environment.

Assessment of groundwater fluoride and human health effects in a hard rock province of south India: Implications from Pollution Index Model (PIM) and GeographicalInformationSystem (GIS) techniques.

This research examines whetherthe groundwater in the Sivakasi Region of South India is suitable for consumption, and assesses the possible health hazards for various age demographics including infants, children, teenagers, and adults. A totalof 77 groundwater samples were gathered, covering a total area of 580km2 and analyzed for major and minor ions. The hydrogen ion concentration (pH) of the samples indicates neutral to marginally alkaline. The total dissolved solids (TDS) fluctuate from 255 to 2701mg/l and electrical conductivity varies from 364 to 3540µS/cm. A wide range of fluoride concentration was detected (0.1 to 3.2mg/l) with nearly 38% groundwater samples surpassing the proposed limit (1.5 mg/l) suggestedby the World Health Organization in 2017. Gibbs plot analysis suggested that most of thesamples were influenced by geogenic factors, primarily rock weathering in this region. Correlation analysis showed that most of the samples were impacted by both natural and human sources. The pollution index of groundwater (PIG) fluctuated from 0.67 to 2.60 with approximately 30% and 53% of samples falling into insignificant and low pollution categories, respectively. Furthermore, 10% and 5% of total samples were characterized as moderate and high pollution levels, and 2% asvery high pollution category. Spatial analysis using GIS revealed that 440.63km2 were within safe fluoride levels according to theWHO standards, while 139.32km2 were identified as risk zone. The principal component analysis (PCA1) showedstrong positive loadings on EC (0.994), TDS (0.905), Mg2+ (0.910), Cl- (0.903) and HCO3- (0.923) indicating rock water interaction. PCA2 accounts the high positive factor loading on HCO3- (0.864) indicating ion exchange and mineral leaching. The PCA1 and PCA2 indicated that variables such as mineral leaching and rock water interaction are themajor mechanisms contributing to the chemical signatures in groundwater, which may support for theelevated fluoride levels in certain areas. Risk assessments, including Hazard Quotient results showed that 71%, 61% 38%, and 34% of groundwater samples exceededthe permissible THI limit (THI > 1) for infants, children, teenagers, and adults, respectively. The study recommends implementing measures such as denitrification, defluorination, rainwater harvesting, and improved sanitation infrastructure to enhance the health conditions in the study region. Additionally, it suggests introducing educational programs in rural areas to create awarenessabout the health dangers due to consumptionof water with high fluoride levels.

Tap Water Microbial Contamination in Prayagraj: Isolation, Purification and Characterization of Pathogenic Bacteria and Their Antibiotic Susceptibility Patterns

Since water is necessary for life, it is crucial for preserving human health and biological processes. However, serious health dangers are associated with drinking water contamination, especially in areas where access to clean water is scarce. The purpose of this study was to assess the physicochemical and microbiological properties of tap water from 10 distinct locations in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India. Water samples were collected and analyzed microbiologically to isolate and identify harmful bacteria. The study detected the presence of several gram-negative bacteria, including Leminorella grimontii, Morganella morganii, and Citrobacter braakii, among others. Temperature and pH levels varied throughout the sampling sites, according to physicochemical analysis, and some samples had levels of alkalinity over the WHO-recommended safe limits. Antibiotic susceptibility tests indicated that the isolated bacterial strains displayed varying levels of resistance to different antibiotics, with higher resistance to Gentamicin than to Ampicillin. These findings highlight the significance of ongoing water quality monitoring and improvement to reduce the risk of waterborne illnesses, particularly in areas with poor access to clean water and sanitation. Ensuring the safety and purity of water for human consumption is crucial for protecting public health, especially in areas vulnerable to illnesses caused by contaminated water. This study provides valuable insights into the microbiological ecology of Prayagraj tap water and emphasizes the need for effective water management strategies to protect human health and welfare.

Health risks associated with hazardous airborne chemicals in beauty salons: A pilot study in Kuwaiti salons

The beauty industry has become increasingly popular in recent years, leading to a surge in salon visits for various beauty treatments. However, public concerns were raised about the possible health dangers linked to the widespread use of harmful chemicals in beauty salons. To address these concerns, a pilot study was conducted in Kuwait to evaluate and identify the ten most commonly occurring hazardous airborne chemicals in different beauty salons. Air samples were gathered from inside and outside ten beauty salons situated in diverse regions of Kuwait, covering various periods, including working hours, non-working hours, and a continuous 24-h period. The study used diffusion tubes for sampling and employed the thermo-desorption gas chromatograph/mass spectroscopy technique (TD-GC/MS) to identify the chemical compounds. In addition, the measured concentration of compounds was utilized to assess the potential inhalation health risks associated with both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic substances, employing the USEPA Cancer Risk Indicator (CRI) and Hazard Quotient Indicator (HQI). The findings indicated that indoor concentrations of hazardous chemicals were significantly higher than those recorded outdoors. A total of 55 hazardous chemicals were detected in the indoor air quality inside beauty salons, and benzene concentrations exceeded ACGIH thresholds, suggesting a potential health concern. Although concentrations of toluene, ethylbenzene, m/p-xylene, and o-xylene remained below NIOSH recommendations, health risk assessments indicated the potential carcinogenicity of three compounds in the indoor air of beauty salons: benzene, ethylbenzene, and 2-ethyl-1-hexanol. Additionally, 15 compounds were identified by non-carcinogenic risk assessments, such as ethyl acetate and 2-ethyl-1-hexanol. These findings emphasize the urgency of implementing measures to address the exposure in Kuwait's beauty salons and conducting further research.

Assessment of ecological and public health risks associated with heavy metals on farmland in Wonosobo Regency, Indonesia

The deposition of metallic substances on farmland is of critical importance owing to its possible detrimental impacts on the surroundings and human wellness. Heavy metals can adversely affect the physicochemical properties of soil and plant health. Prolonged exposure to heavy metals in humans can lead to both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic effects. The present research intended to determine the dispersion condition of toxic metals on cropland and assess the attendant environmental and health dangers in the Wonosobo Regency. This study used a soil sample survey encompassing 312 soil sampling sites. The completed analyses comprise geographical analysis, index of geo-accumulation (IG), contamination index (CI), Nemerow comprehensive contamination index (NCCI), risk analysis, and health risk analysis. The research findings reveal that cadmium material is the primary contributor to contamination from heavy metals in farmland in Wonosobo Regency, as shown by IG analysis. The CI and environmental hazards assessments suggest considerable pollution levels. Kids are more prone to illnesses than adults due to their daily intake amount, so it is necessary to pay more attention to the daily intake sources in children to minimize exposure to heavy metals.

Impacts of unregulated dumpsites: a study on toxic soil contamination, associated risks, and call for sustainable environmental protection in Nnewi, Nigeria

The accumulation of leachates from unlined dumpsites laden soil-water environment with toxic elements poses imminent threats to both the environment and humans. This study evaluated the seasonal levels of potentially toxic elements (PTEs), their health-related risks, contamination factors (CF), pollution load index, geo-accumulation index (Igeo), ecological risk index, polymetallic contaminant index and Nemerow's synthetic pollution index of soils near a waste dump in Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria. The PTE results indicated that levels of Cd (1.54–3.40 mg/kg) were above the World Health Organization's threshold limit for soil. The studied soil samples had PTE levels higher than the control samples due to their proximity to the dumpsite. The CF of the PTE in the soil indicated moderate to considerable contamination, while the control areas showed moderate contamination for both seasons. The pollution load indices of the soil indicated heavy and moderate pollution for the study sample (2.207–2.517) and control samples (1.445–1.659). However, the ecological risk indices ranged from 85.72 to 164.84, indicating a low ecological risk. The Igeo of the PTE in the soil ranged from unpolluted, moderately polluted to very strongly polluted. The Nemerow's synthetic pollution index values ranged from 3.560 to 3.564 for the study samples and 2.070–2.502 for the control samples, indicating heavy and moderate pollution of the soil respectively. The polymetallic contaminant index values for the study samples (23.22–26.43) and control samples (15.02–17.23) showed high and considerable contamination respectively. Health risk examination highlighted that both adults and children have a low risk for non-cancer health threat via ingestion route, while a high risk was obtained for children for cancer health dangers via ingestion routes. For the dermal pathway, children and adults have minimal chances of exposure to cancer risks, while a high exposure to non-cancer risk was observed for children. Pearson's correlation and principal component loadings revealed the sources of pollution to be of similar origins linked to anthropogenic activities. Awareness programs are necessary to educate the populace about the dangers of using contaminated soil for farming or recreational activities. The use of sanitary dumpsites should be encouraged and adopted as a waste disposal method by the government to mitigate the spread of PTE into the environment.

Morphological and molecular investigation of free-living amoeba Sappinia spp. isolated from environmental and clinical samples in Thi-Qar province-southern Iraq

Sappinia is a free-living amoeba, a single-celled living organism found in the environment. It has recently been attributed to being an opportunistic human pathogen. There are two known species of Sappinia: S. diploidea and S. pedata. The current study detected Sappinia species using morphological and genetic approaches in various environmental and clinical samples in the Thi-Qar province of southern Iraq. The study was conducted from February - September 2020; one hundred and two samples for this study were obtained from various environmental and clinical sources. PCR was carried out with a positive culture after the samples were cultivated on an NN-agar medium. Overall, the study showed that 53(51.96%) samples were positive on morphological characters as well as PCR analysis showed that only 47 (46.07%) ) of Sappinia morphologically positive samples were positive by using a specific primer. Sappinia spp. were observed in all types of samples of environmental and clinical sources except CSF, and clinical ear samples were negative. The current study showed two species of Sappinia that have similar morphology but differ in the diameter of trophozoite and cyst, number of nuclei, and cyst morphology. The current study will pave the way for additional epidemiological research by considering the presence of potential Sappinia species in various samples, whether from environmental or clinical sources, to better understand the function of Sappinia as a potential health danger to people. Keyword: Sappinia spp. Free-living amoeba, opportunistic amoeba, Thi-Qar, Iraq

Morphological and molecular investigation of free-living amoeba Sappinia spp. isolated from environmental and clinical samples in Thi-Qar province-southern Iraq

Sappinia is a free-living amoeba, a single-celled living organism found in the environment. It has recently been attributed to being an opportunistic human pathogen. There are two known species of Sappinia: S. diploidea and S. pedata. The current study detected Sappinia species using morphological and genetic approaches in various environmental and clinical samples in the Thi-Qar province of southern Iraq. The study was conducted from February - September 2020; one hundred and two samples for this study were obtained from various environmental and clinical sources. PCR was carried out with a positive culture after the samples were cultivated on an NN-agar medium. Overall, the study showed that 53(51.96%) samples were positive on morphological characters as well as PCR analysis showed that only 47 (46.07%) ) of Sappinia morphologically positive samples were positive by using a specific primer. Sappinia spp. were observed in all types of samples of environmental and clinical sources except CSF, and clinical ear samples were negative. The current study showed two species of Sappinia that have similar morphology but differ in the diameter of trophozoite and cyst, number of nuclei, and cyst morphology. The current study will pave the way for additional epidemiological research by considering the presence of potential Sappinia species in various samples, whether from environmental or clinical sources, to better understand the function of Sappinia as a potential health danger to people. Keyword: Sappinia spp. Free-living amoeba, opportunistic amoeba, Thi-Qar, Iraq

Prevalence of Cigarette Smoking, E-cigarette Use, and Dual Use Among Urban and Rural Women During the Peripartum Period, PRAMS 2015-2020.

Evidence has emerged on the health dangers of electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use among pregnant women and neonates. We examined whether rural residence is a risk factor for smoking and e-cigarette use among women during the peripartum period in the United States. This study was based on pooled cross-sectional 2015-2020 data from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System. The outcome was exclusive smoking, exclusive e-cigarette use, and use of both products (ie, dual use) versus use of neither tobacco product by women with live infants aged 2 to 6 months. We examined rural-urban differences in outcome by using univariate and multivariable multinomial logistic regressions with post hoc contrasts and marginal analyses, adjusting for complex survey design and nonresponse. During the peripartum period, 5.0% of women were smoking combustible cigarettes, 5.0% were using e-cigarettes, and 1.9% were using both tobacco products. The crude prevalence of e-cigarette use was 1.1 percentage point higher, and the adjusted prevalence was 0.8 percentage points lower for rural versus urban women (P < .001 for both). Among rural women, 6.7% (95% CI, 6.3%-7.1%) smoked combustible cigarettes exclusively and 2.6% (95% CI, 2.3%-2.8%) used both products, as compared with 4.5% (95% CI, 4.4%-4.8%) and 1.7% (95% CI, 1.6%-1.8%) of urban women, respectively, adjusting for sociodemographic and health-related characteristics. Maternal sociodemographic and health-related characteristics differed by combustible smoking versus e-cigarette use during the peripartum period. The effect of residence on e-cigarette use was significantly confounded by sociodemographic and health-related characteristics, resulting in clinically comparable prevalence of e-cigarette use in rural and urban mothers with live infants aged 2 to 6 months.