Jazan Area Research Articles

Bioremediation of Pesticides by Bacteria in Jazan Area

Bioremediation of Pesticides by Bacteria in Jazan Area

Icp-Ms Determination of Trace Metals in Drinking Water Sources in Jazan Area, Saudi Arabia

Requisite reference facts about essential elements in treated and plastic bottled drinking water is usually mentioned on the products. However, more information is sometime crucial regarding trace elements in treated, bottled and other sources of drinking water such as tap water to evaluate their quality. This study is aimed to evaluate drinking water quality in the main governorates (Jazan, Sabya and Abu Arish) of Jazan province located in the South-Western region of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This is the first such study carried out in Jazan city so that the research team can come out with valuable recommendations in the issue. The research team has collected a sum of 68 water samples from different sources comprising hospitals (treated tap water), stations for drinking water treatment (large blue bottles of drinking water) and bottled drinking water (purchased from local markets). Using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), the concentrations of 20 elements were determined. The physiochemical parameters of water samples were measured. All parameters were within the recommended limits of the World Health Organization (WHO, 2011) and Gulf Cooperation Council Standardization Organization (GSO, 2008). Trace and major elements were found to be below the standard guideline values , except for uranium in some tap water samples. This preliminary study will significantly improve the awareness and knowledge among the society about the drinking water quality in Jazan area.

Prevalence, determinants and impacts of khat chewing among professional drivers in Southwestern Saudi Arabia.

The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and determinants of khat chewing, and explore its social, economic and work impacts and examine its relation with road traffic accidents (RTA) among professional drivers in Jazan region, Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 215 drivers recruited from transport stations in Jazan region by random cluster sampling. An interview questionnaire was utilized for data collection, and 47.4% of drivers were currently khat chewers. Using a logistic regression, the independent predictors of khat chewing were being a citizen of Saudi Arabia, divorced or widowed, working for less than 4 hours/day, and a non-seatbelt user. Khat chewing was significantly associated with shorter working hours; higher average number of significant RTA, and higher frequency of traffic violation. In conclusion, khat chewing habit affected almost half of the professional drivers in Jazan area. Moreover, khat chewing was associated with impaired working ability and productivity, family conflicts, and violation of traffic rules.

Seismic Analysis of a Ten-Storey Reinforced Concrete Building in Jazan Area, KSA

Jazan area is located in the most active seismic zone region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia where there is a complicated geological structures and tectonics. This project reviews the seismic activities occurred in Jazan area together with reviewing the Saudi Building (Seismic) Code (SBC-301-2007) [1]. A multi-story reinforced concrete building, in Jazan city, was seismically analyzed using the Equivalent Lateral Force Procedure with the aid of STAAD PRO software. The building, which was Ordinary Reinforced Concrete Moment Resisting Frame (ORCMRF), was analyzed in compliance with the provisions of (SBC-301-2007) [1]. The most important parameters governing the analysis of this frame were dead load, live load and seismic loads. Seismic loads were computed as pairs of accelerations versus times. The damping ratio was taken as 0.05 (5% of the critical damping). The ground accelerations versus time periods were calculated using SBC-301-2007 together with parameters necessary to be used as input data for the program to calculate the seismic parameters, i.e., reactions, displacements, base shear, bending moments, shearing forces, drifts. The obtained results show effects of earthquake ground motions on building studied herein are so greater for the higher increases of the values of outputs resulting from seismic loads comparing to that due to static load only. Finally, the results obtained, clearly, show the importance of taking the Saudi seismic code provisions into account when analyzing and designing multi-story buildings in Jazan area.

Vermicomposting: Analysis of Soil Nutrients Enrichment with Indigenous Species from Jazan Province of Saudi Arabia

The wastes produced in the University campus like shredded paper, used teabags, vegetables, etc. were to be sorted and used f or the production of vermicompost. Earth worms used in this study were collected from six locations in and around Jazan. The three major species found in Jazan area were Lumbricus terrestris, Aporrectodea longaand Lumbricus rubellus. All the sps. belong to the family Lumbricidae and found to be adapted to the environmental conditions of Jizan. They were found to be active in during the vermicomposting experiments. The vermicompost showed increase in its constituents of primary nutrients {Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K)}, secondary nutrients {Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg)} and micro nutrients {Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn) and Zinc (Zn)} in comparison with the control soil. This study is a precursor to a scientific approach in finding out how more steps need to be taken to utilise the organic waste produced in each provin ce for the production of vremicompost in Jazan.

Hematological and Biochemical Changes Associated with Ectopic Pregnancy in Jazan Area Saudi Arabia

Objective: Ectopic pregnancy (EP) is an implantation of fertilized ovum outside the intrauterine cavity. Many cases of EP are not associated with a clinical signs at early stages that makes its diagnosis is difficult. The confirmation of EP needs several investigations as ultrasonography and repeated measurements of serum β-hCG levels every 48 hours that make it very expensive and take a long time so, rupture may be occurred that leads to increased maternal morbidity and mortality rates. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the alterations of some hematological and biochemical parameters associated with normal and ectopic pregnancy in addition to evaluate their efficacy in early diagnosis of tubal ectopic pregnancy (TEP) among women living in Jazan area, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Subjects and methods: this retrospective study was carried out on 200 women with their ages ranged from 25–37 years old at the Obstetric and Gynecology Department of King Fahd Central Hospital and Sabiya General Hospital during the period between March 2010 and March 2014. The subjects were divided into three groups. Group (1) consists of 69 cases ruptured EP; Group (2) consists of 61 cases non-ruptured by visual examination during surgery and subsequently histopathological examination, where as group (3) consists of 70 women representing the control group having a normal intrauterine pregnancy. Hematological and biochemical measurements were done on all groups. Results: the hematological findings revealed a significant increase in mean platelet volume (MPV), total leukocytic count (WBC) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) among TEP patients especially in ruptured cases in comparison with those of normal pregnancy control. A significant decrease in hemoglobin (Hb) and packed cell volume (PCV) in TEP cases either ruptured or non-ruptured and a non-significant changes in total erythrocytic count (RBC). The biochemical findings revealed a significant increase in serum creatine kinase ( CK) but a significant decrease in serum β-hCG in both ruptured and non-ruptured TEP. Conclusion: it could be concluded that theWBCs,MPV count and ESR were significantly increased in TEP especially in ruptured cases. The MPV can differentiate between TEP and normal pregnancy but has less clinical significance to differentiate between ruptured and non-ruptured cases. On the other hand, the level of β-hCG is an important indicator of TEP. Moreover, serum CK cannot be used as a tool for diagnosis of TEP but may differentiate between ruptured and non-ruptured cases.

Accuracy of immunochromatography diagnostic test versus microscopy in the diagnosis of malaria among clinically suspected patients in Jazan area, KSA

Background Malaria has been documented as a major health problem in Saudi Arabia, and it is highly endemic especially in the Southwest (Jazan and Asir). Its control is considered a challenge; hence proper diagnosis is essential for implementation of successful control programs. Accordingly, the diagnostic test used should be easy, rapid, and reliable, besides it must be accurate and cost effective. Objective This work aims to study reliability and diagnostic accuracy of an immunochromatographic test (ICT) using BinaxNOW® malaria test compared to microscopical examination of blood film as gold standard for malaria diagnosis among clinically suspected patients in Jazan area, KSA. Methods A cross sectional prospective designed study was done for 200 patients with prolonged fever attending Jazan general hospitals. Venous blood samples were collected for both microscopic examination of Giemsa-stained thick and thin blood and rapid ICT (BinaxNOW®). Results Microscopic examination of Giemsa-stained blood smears revealed 64 out of 200 cases (32%) positive for Plasmodium spp.; 43 out of 64 (67.2%) were positive for P. falciparum; 12 (18.7%) had mixed infection including P. falciparum; and 9 (14.1%) belonged to other Plasmodium spp. of which 8 (12.5%) were P. vivax and one case (1.6%) was P. ovale. ICT showed 66 out of 200 (33%) cases with positive results for Plasmodium spp. and one sample gave an invalid result. The overall sensitivity and specificity of ICT were 97% and 96%, respectively. While for single P. falciparum infection sensitivity and specificity were 96.7% and 78%, respectively. Regarding Plasmodium spp. other than P. falciparum sensitivity was 91.6% and specificity was 100%. Conclusion The use of ICT complement to microscopy is of great value particularly in Jazan, KSA, where P. falciparum and P. vivax are the most prevalent Plasmodium spp. These methods help in expanding laboratory based diagnosis, and minimize malaria associated morbidity and mortality.

Khat Dependency and Psychophysical Symptoms among Chewers in Jazan Region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Background. Khat chewing is highly prevalent in Africa, Yemen and Jazan region, southwest of Saudi Arabia. Most of Jazani Khat chewers consider khat session as a social activity and do not consider khat dependency. The aim of this study was to explore khat dependency and its relationship with the psychophysical symptoms among chewers. Methods. Cross-sectional study on seventy Saudi male khat chewers living in Jazan area. Psychological dependence to khat chewing was evaluated using the Severity of Dependency Scale (SDS). The participants filled in a self-administrated assisted structured questionnaire designed to collect data about their medical history, neurological symptoms, and their chewing behavior. Results. Half (52.2%) of khat chewers showed psychological dependency. Those having longer khat sessions (≥6 hours) were more liable for dependency. Physical and psychological symptoms were more prevalent among khat dependent chewers. Conclusions. khat has a psychological dependence effect that can be measured by the SDS, even in low doses and with irregular use. SDS scale is a useful tool to expect the burden of either physical or psychological symptoms on khat chewers.

Groundwater Characteristics and Pollution Assessment Using Integrated Hydrochemical Investigations GIS and Multivariate Geostatistical Techniques in Arid Areas

In arid areas, groundwater quality is an important concern for human life and natural ecosystems. Rapid economic development impacts greatly on limited groundwater resources. This study examines the impacts of natural and anthropogenic contaminations on groundwater quality by integrating hydrochemical investigations, GIS and multivariate geostatistical techniques. Major and trace elements in groundwater were analyzed to evaluate the shallow alluvial aquifer connected to the fractured basement aquifer in the Jazan area of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Results show that the groundwater of the aquifer inland is generally under free conditions and is declining with time, while in the coastal areas, there is a disturbance of the groundwater balance resulting in upward leakage of deep saline water and seawater intrusion. Groundwater types are varied from calcium bicarbonate to sodium chloride, reflecting meteoric water recharge to seawater influence. The pollution risk is high, since the water table is shallow and the aquifers are highly permeable. Urbanization has put stress on groundwater quality due to wastewater contamination from pit latrines and leakage from the unrehabilitated sewage system. Chemical equilibrium and saturation indices were calculated, showing that most of the water samples were under-saturated with respect to anhydrate, aragonite, calcite, dolomite, gypsum and halite mineral phases. This affects carbonate and evaporite minerals in the aquifer, causing ground subsidence and sinkholes in the coastal area. Factor and cluster analyses were used to classify and examine the processes affecting groundwater quality. The main factors impacting on the groundwater hydrochemistry were identified as: dissolution of several minerals, evaporation, human impact, mixing between geothermal and other waters as well as rainfall recharge.

Detection of Pesticide Residue in Dams and Well Water in Jazan Area, Saudi Arabia

The application of pesticides indoors and on agricultural lands increased dramatically in recent years in the Jazan area (Saudi Arabia) to control termites and the vectors of diseases, such as Rift Valley Fever (RVF) and malaria. This practice increased the potential risk of pesticide contamination of surface water and groundwater. In this study, samples of 44 wells and 3 dams were collected; the samples were analysed for the presence of 15 pesticides used in the Jazan area. The results showed that the most detected compounds in the surface water samples were diazinon, Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), fenitrothion and cyfluthrin, with average concentrations of 0.098, 0.104, 0.321 and 0.394 µg L-1, respectively. In the groundwater samples, the most detected insecticides were diazinon, dieldrin and fenthion, with average concentrations of 0.117, 0.005 and 0.472 µg L-1, respectively. In general, detected concentrations of organophosphorus insecticides slightly exceeded the allowed Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) of the European Union, which is 0.1 µg L-1, in some samples. However, the findings of this study about the safety of water resources in the Jazan area were not alarming because the detected concentrations were below the MRL and lower than the limit of the sum of all individual compounds detected in the same sample. More extended investigations are highly recommended.

Groundwater Quality Assessment in Jazan Region, Saudi Arabia

Jazan province is an arid area, located at the southwestern part of Saudi Arabia along the Red Sea coast. Groundwater is the only resource of drinking water in this area; thus, its suitability for drinking and domestic uses is of public and scientific concern. In this study, groundwater samples were collected from 23 sites in Jazan area during fall 2014; measurements and analysis of water quality parameters including pH, total dissolved solids TDS, turbidity, hardness, alkalinity, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, sulfate, calcium, magnesium, chloride, iron and fluoride were carried out with references to WHO and Gulf Standardization Organization GSO. TDS values exceeded the permissible limit of 600 mg/l in 30.4% of samples, total hardness values exceeded the permissible limits of 300 mg/l in 34.8% of samples, and nitrate concentration exceeded the permissible limit of 50 mg/l in only one sample. However, the concentrations of investigated parameters in the groundwater samples were within the permissible limits of WHO. Our results showed that the water quality of groundwater in Jazan area is acceptable and could be used safely for drinking and domestic purposes. However, a special attention should be paid to the concentration of TDS and nitrate in groundwater in future studies.

Limited genetic diversity among Plasmodium falciparium isolates using nested PCR in Jazan Area, Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT Objective To establish molecular characterization of Plasmodium falciparum field isolates in Jazan Area of Saudi Arabia measured with highly polymorphic genetic marker, i.e. the merozoite surface protein 2 (MSP 2). Methods Blood samples were collected from 128 clinically suspected patients attending both Jazan and Sabia hospitals, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Both hospitals reflected urban and rural settings respectively. Analysis of central polymorphic region of MSP 2 (3D7 and FC27 allelic families) was performed using nested PCR for malaria patients. Results For MSP 2 allelic families of Plasmodium falciparum, 16 cases (53.3%) carried FC27 type and 14 cases (46.7%) carried 3D7 type, whereas no malaria cases harbored both allelic types. The present study showed that in urban area, 80% of FC27 fragments were 500 bp while in rural area it was 45.5% (P = 0.08). The FC27 400 bp allele was more prevalent in patients from rural than those from the urban area (P = 0.08). The most prevalent infecting 3D7 allele was the 3D7 300 bp in both areas. In the present study, there were no multiple infections. Conclusions The limited genetic diversity which was observed in Jazan (considered as an endemic area) may be attributed to the small sample size or sustained malaria control program.

Practice and Attitude of Cigarette Smoking: A Community-Based Study

BackgroundIn Saudi Arabia many studies have addressed cigarette smoking from various perspectives. Most of these studies, however, were conducted among males and confined to Riyadh, the capital city. Such limitations have enhanced the need for community-based epidemiological studies that include both genders and various age groups and socio-demographic features, as well as different regions.ObjectiveThis cross-sectional study aims to assess the prevalence of cigarette smoking and to discuss the association between cigarette smoking habits and socio-demographic factors among community members of the Jazan area in southwest Saudi Arabia.MethodsA pre-coded questionnaire was designed and tested for data consistency. A well-trained health team was assigned to gather the data from the 30 primary healthcare centers distributed across eight provinces. The response rate was 92.8% (4,326 respondents ≥13 years old). The associations among the subjects' socio-demographic characteristics were examined by the chi-square test. A multiple logistic regression and odds ratios were calculated as well.ResultsA total of 1,017 (23.5%), 1,042 (24.1%), and 3,284 (75.9%) respondents were, respectively, current smokers (TCS), ever-smokers (TES), and non-smokers (TNS). Though current smokers seem to be more prevalent in urban populations (13.8%) than in rural populations (9.7%), the association of urbanization with a current smoking habit is insignificant.ConclusionHaving fun, relieving stress, and the influence of parents, particularly of mothers, were the main motives that encouraged participants' cigarette-smoking habits. This situation was worsened by the fact that accessing cigarettes was either very easy or easy for over 90% of the respondents.

Evaluation of pesticides multiresidue contamination of khat leaves from Jazan region, Kingdome Saudi Arabia, using solid-phase extraction – gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

The habit of khat chewing is widespread with a deep-rooted sociocultural tradition in these regions and as such poses a public health problem. The use of pesticides is considered to be indispensable practice for the production of adequate food supply for the increasing demands by the global population and for control of insect-borne diseases. Thus, contamination of the environment with pesticides and entry of these chemicals into the food chain is unavoidable especially in developing countries. The main objective of our current study was to assess pesticide pollution of khat leaves (unknown origin) obtained while being smuggled into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and to be used in Jazan area. A total of 120 khat leaf samples were extracted using solid-phase extraction followed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis for the presence of 69 standard pesticides using an internal standard, tiphenyl phosphate. No pesticide residues were detected in all the studied samples. These data as preliminary and more experiments need to be performed to confirm our present findings. Routine monitoring of the pesticide residues is important for the prevention, control, and reduction of environmental pollution and also for legal decisions to minimize health risks.

Current iodine nutrition status and progress toward elimination of iodine deficiency disorders in Jazan, Saudi Arabia

BackgroundThe term iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) refers to all the effects of iodine deficiency on growth and development in human and animal populations that can be prevented by correction of the iodine deficiency. The objective of this paper was to determine the iodine nutrition status among schoolchildren in the Jazan Region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), by measuring urinary iodine concentrations and by clinical assessments of goiter rate.MethodsA school-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in the Jazan region of southwestern KSA from May to November 2010. A total of 311 children, aged 6–13 years, drawn from 12 schools, were selected by a three-stage cluster random sampling method. Data on sociodemographic characteristics were collected using a structured questionnaire. Urine samples were collected and physical examinations were conducted to determine the presence or absence of goiter. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 17.0. Chi square and independent t-tests were used for proportions and mean comparisons between groups.ResultsOut of 360 selected children, 311 were examined. There were 131 males (42%) and 180 females (58%). The median urinary iodine concentration (UIC) of the study group was 421 μg/L. The study population proportion with UIC > 300 μg/L was 74% with a higher proportion among males and urban populations. The proportion of children with UIC of 100–300 μg/L was only 21% and was significantly higher among females compared with males (p < 0.001). Only about 3% of the children had a median UIC less than 50 μg/L. The prevalence of total goiter rate (TGR) among the sample of schoolchildren in Jazan was 11%, with significant variations between rural and urban populations and by gender.ConclusionsThe present study demonstrates a remarkable achievement in Universal Salt Iodization (USI) and IDD elimination goals in the Jazan area. However, UIC levels reflect excessive iodine intake and may put the population at risk of adverse health consequences like iodine-induced hyperthyroidism and autoimmune thyroid diseases.

Distribution of Drug Resistance Genotypes in Plasmodium falciparum in an Area of Limited Parasite Diversity in Saudi Arabia

Two hundred and three Plasmodium falciparum isolates from Jazan area, southwest Saudi Arabia, were typed for Pfcrt, Pfmdr1, dhps, and dhfr mutations associated with resistance to chloroquine, mefloquine, halofantrine, artemisinin, sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine, and the neutral polymorphic gene Pfg377. A large proportion (33%) of isolates harbored double mutant dhfr genotype (51I,59C,108N). However, only one isolate contained mutation dhps-437G. For Pfcrt, almost all examined isolates (163; 99%) harbored the mutant genotype (72C,73V,74I,75E,76T), whereas only 49 (31%) contained the mutant Pfmdr1 genotype (86Y,184F,1034S,1042N), 109 (66%) harbored the single mutant genotype (86N,184F,1034S,1042N), and no mutations were seen in codons 1034, 1042, and 1246. Nonetheless, three new single-nucleotide polymorphisms were detected at codons 182, 192, and 102. No differences were seen in distribution of drug resistance genes among Saudis and expatriates. There was a limited multiplicity (5%), mean number of clones (1.05), and two dominant multilocus genotypes among infected individuals in Jazan. A pattern consistent with limited cross-mating and recombination among local parasite was apparent.

Aquifer boundaries explored by geoelectrical measurements in the Red Sea coastal plain of Jazan area, Southwest Saudi Arabia

Geoelectrical measurements using the vertical electrical sounding (VES) method were conducted on the Eastern Red Sea coast in Jazan area, Southwest Saudi Arabia. The objectives of the study were (1) to map the Quaternary sediments in areas where little is known about the subsurface geology and to infer shallow geological structure, and (2) to identify formations that may present fresh aquifer waters, and subsequently to estimate the relationship between groundwater resources and geological structures. Data collected at 9 locations were interpreted first with curve-matching techniques, using theoretically calculated master curves. The initial earth models were double checked and reinterpreted using a one-dimensional inversion program in order to obtain final earth models. Resistivity measurements show four zones with different resistivity values, corresponding to four different bearing formations: (1) A resistive surface layer at the top; (2) A basalt flow layer in the northern parts; (3) Strata saturated with fresh to brackish groundwater; and (4) A water-bearing formation containing Red Sea saltwater. Key words: Salt-water/fresh-water, geoelectrical measurements, Red Sea coastal plain,Saudi Arabia.

Coupling of remote sensing data aided with field investigations for geological hazards assessment in Jazan area, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

The city of Jazan is situated on the eastern flank of the Read Sea and considered as one of the fastest growing cities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This zone attracts a lot of investors for various development projects. Recently, many new projects have been implemented and constructed in this region including new urban areas, infrastructures, and industrial projects. However, historically this area has been challenged from different types of geological hazards. These geological hazards are catastrophic events that can cause human injury, loss of life, and economic devastation. The current study is aimed at evaluating the different types of geological hazards in Jazan city. This study is based on interpretation of satellite data such as LANDSAT and QuickBird images, existing geological maps, and physiographical characteristics with the help of field and laboratory analyses. The results of the analysis indicate that there exist various types of geological hazards in the study area mostly related to the natural factors which include (1) Sabkha soil; (2) Salt dome; (3) Loess soil; and (4) Sand dune/drift. Further, the findings of this study revealed that, most of these geological hazards have a severe impact on the ongoing development activities in Jazan area.

An Assessment and Management of Green Tiger Shrimp (Penaeus semisulcatus) Fishery in the Jazan Area (Red Sea, Saudi Arabia)

The maximum sustainable yield (MSY) and the correspond- ing values of fishing effort (number of fishing days) were estimated for the green tiger shrimp, Penaeus semisulcatus fishery in the Jazan area of the Red Sea. The equilibrium as well as the non-equilibrium approach was used to fit the surplus-production model on the statisti- cal data of catch and fishing effort. The study area extends from Lat 17o40' N southwards to the Yemeni border which supports the activity of more than 90% of the bottom trawlers exploiting the shrimp fishery in the Saudi Red Sea coast . Results from both treatments indicated that the current fishery for the tiger shrimp is under the level of maximum sustainable exploitation. The maximum sustainable yield (MSY) was estimated at 945.3 and 829.8 tonnes by the equilibrium and non-equilibrium model, respective- ly. The corresponding levels of fishing effort required to generate the maximum sustainable yield (MSY) were estimated by the two models, respectively at 21.620 and 17.370 fishing days per fishing season.