Public Health Hazard Research Articles

Food safety knowledge and practices among raw meat handlers and the microbial content of raw meat sold at Kumasi Abattoir Butchery Shops in Kumasi, Ghana

BackgroundFoodborne diseases affect nearly 600 million people each year, that is, one in every ten people, and their outbreaks are most common in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in Africa. This study investigated the food safety practices among raw meat handlers and the microbial quality of the meat from the butchery shops in Kumasi Abattoir, Ghana.MethodsThis study employed a descriptive cross-sectional study and collected quantitative data on factors associated with food safety and hygienic practices among raw meat handlers and the microbial quality of the raw meat using a structured questionnaire and standard laboratory methods, respectively. The study used all 50 beef vending shops in the butchery for questionnaire aspect and fresh beef samples were obtained from 10 vendors in the butchery shop. Appropriate methods were followed to analyse questionnaire data and meat samples.ResultsMost of the butchers (72%) were between the ages of 31 and 45, and they were predominantly Muslims (68%). Most of the respondents (48%) had basic education. All the respondents had food safety certificates from the local authority but needed adequate knowledge of meat safety. Most respondents (90%) handled meat and money with the same bare hands, thus contaminating the meat. The study showed that the maximum Total Viable Count (TVC), Total Staphylococcus Count (TSC), and Total Escherichia coli Count (TEC) were 5.60, 4.39 and 5.13 cfu/g, respectively. The study also revealed that all the meat samples were Salmonella species-free.ConclusionsMicroorganisms in raw beef indicate a public health hazard. It gives a signal of a possible occurrence of food-borne intoxication and infection if not controlled. Environmental health officers in the Greater Kumasi area should organize food safety training and educate raw meat handlers on the importance of food safety and its consequences.

Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance profiles of mastitis causing bacteria isolated from dairy goats in Mukurweini Sub-County, Nyeri County, Kenya.

Ruminant mastitis continues to be a cause of economic losses in the dairy industry and remains a major public health hazard globally. This cross-sectional study was carried out in Mukurweini Sub-County of Nyeri County, Kenya, to investigate the prevalence of bacteria causing mastitis, risk factors associated with goat mastitis and the antibiotic resistance profiles of bacteria isolated from the goat milk. Farm level data on risk factors for mastitis was obtained from 56 farmers using a semi structured questionnaire. A total of 189 goat milk samples were collected. The goat's udder was observed for signs of clinical mastitis and the California Mastitis Test (CMT) used to test the milk for sub-clinical mastitis. All samples were then cultured for morphological identification of bacteria and strain typing by Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization (MALDI)-Time of Flight (ToF) technique. Antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolated Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CoNS), Escherichia coli, Klebsiella oxytoca, Pseudomonas spp., Enterobacter spp., Proteus vulgaris and Escherichia vulneris to eight commonly used antibiotics was done by the disc diffusion method and validated by determining the presence of antibiotic resistance genes (mecA and blaTEM) using polymerase chain reaction method. The prevalence of clinical mastitis was 1.1% (2/189) while that of sub-clinical mastitis was 84.7% (160/189). Higher (p<0.05) prevalence of mastitis was observed in goats whose houses were cleaned fortnightly and in cases where farmers used same towel to dry different does' udders during the milking process. Thirteen different bacterial species were isolated from the milk samples and identified by MALDI-ToF, and these included S. aureus (22.0%), CoNS (20.3%), E. coli (18.1%), Pseudomonas spp. (14.3%), Enterobacter spp. (10.4%), K. oxytoca (6.0%), E. vulneris (1.7%), P. vulgaris (1.7%), Raoutella ornithinolytica (1.7%), Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (1.1%), Pantoea agglomerans (1.1%), Serratia marcescens (1.1%) and Cedeceas spp. (0.6%). One hundred pathogenic bacterial isolates were randomly selected and tested for antibiotic sensitivity to eight antibiotics out of which S. aureus were 97.5% resistant to Oxacillin and 100% sensitive to Ciprofloxacin. The CoNSs were 100% resistant to Oxacillin and 100% sensitive to Ciprofloxacin. E. coli were 93.9% resistant to Oxacillin, 69.7% sensitive to Ciprofloxacin and 87.9% sensitive to both Amoxicillin/Clavulanic acid and Meropenem. The antimicrobial resistant genes detected in S. aureus and E. coli were mecA [66.7%, 0%], and blaTEM [20% and 78.3%], respectively. In conclusion, the study showed that most of the does were affected by subclinical mastitis with the main causative bacteria being Staphylococci spp. and coliforms. Farmers need to be trained on improved control of mastitis by adoption of good milking practices and use of CMT kit for early detection of mastitis. Occurrence of multidrug resistance by key mastitis causing pathogens was shown to be prevalent and therefore there is need for development of intervention strategies.

Infectiousness model of expelled droplets exposed to ultraviolet germicidal irradiation coupled with evaporation

Respiratory diseases propagated by droplet-based transmission are a serious public health hazard, leading, in extreme cases, to pandemics such as influenza and the recent Coronavirus outbreak. Droplet infectiousness evolves in response to the environment in such a way that it decreases with time and distance from the source. Droplets can also be treated with ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) to accelerate the reduction in their survival rate. In addition, airflow management and furnishings in public spaces can be optimized to reduce exposure to expelled droplets. This introduces a role for engineered medical interventions based on precise modelling of the time evolution of droplet infectiousness. However, information is lacking on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of the time evolution of droplet infectiousness when exposed to both evaporation and UVGI at the same time. Therefore, in this study, we developed and presented algorithms for tracking droplet infectiousness in a CFD simulation. The variations of droplets’ infectiousness were investigated through the combination of parameters describing humidity and temperature, as well as the deployment of UVGI in confined public space environments. We have shown that, for airborne droplets, increased temperature leads to decreased infectiousness in propagation lengths and entrainment time, while increased humidity leads to increased infectiousness propagation lengths and entrainment times. Smaller droplets with diameters ≤ 110 μm remain entrained longer in the air, whereas droplets with a diameter ≥ 140 μm travel in the air stream for a relatively short time before falling to a surface due to gravity, depending on the specific relative humidity (RH) and temperature conditions. Thus, our data suggest that infectiousness of droplets is substantially reduced due to the influence of evaporation, and it is further decreased when exposed to UV irradiance. We also show that, due to the combined influence of UVGI and evaporation conditions, the infectiousness of droplets decreased faster. Our model can track droplet infectiousness, thus helping to understand how the spread of infectious droplets is reduced in a confined environment.

Effect of Progressive Muscle Relaxation Technique on Job Stress among Employees of Industrial Sector

Background: Worldwide, work-related stress (WRS) is increasingly becoming a major public health hazard. People in low-income nations see an increase in stress related to their jobs as a result of globalization and changes in working circumstances. However, despite high prevalence globally, work-related stress among industrial park workers is not well studied1. WRS is a major challenge to workers and also organizations. It affects the mental and physical health of an individual and the effectiveness of an organization2. Thus the aim of study was to assess the effect of Progressive Muscle Relaxation Technique on the level of job stress among Employees of Industrial sector, Puducherry.

Radon exposure risks among residents proximal to gold mine tailings in Gauteng Province, South Africa: a cross-sectional preliminary study protocol.

Gold mine tailings, a legacy of the mining industry, harbors significant amount of radon gas, a classified human carcinogen. Radon exposure, especially near tailings, is a significant public health threat, potentially leading to increased risk of lung cancer, leukemia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These health problems are often associated with lower survival rates and significant financial burdens. This ongoing research aim to evaluating the relationship between indoor radon exposure and lung cancer, leukemia, and COPD risks among residents proximal to gold mine tailings in Gauteng Province, South Africa. This cross-sectional preliminary study focus on two distinct groups: Riverlea (exposed group, <2 km to Gold mine tailings) and Orlando East (unexposed group, >2 km to Gold mine tailings). Indoor radon levels is measured using AlphaE monitors, while health risks (lung cancer, leukemia, and COPD) linked to exposure are evaluated through interview-administered questionnaire and secondary data from Gauteng Health Department. Of the 476 residents randomly selected for this study, 300 have already participated, with balanced representation from both the exposed and unexposed groups. The study will compare indoor radon levels and health outcomes between the two groups. This study's results could aid in creating targeted interventions and policies to mitigate indoor radon exposure risks and safeguard vulnerable communities from this significant public health hazard.

Comparative analysis between multi-strain probiotics and antibiotic as starter feed supplement of poultry on growth performance, serum metabolites and meat quality

The unobstructed use of antibiotics in poultry production has emerged as a major driving force of antibiotic resistance and public health hazard, particularly in developing countries. This study aimed to determine the functional roles of lyophilized native probiotic based starter feed on performance, selective serum metabolites and meat quality of poultry. A total of 90 day-old birds (30 broilers, 30 layers and 30 ducks) were used as experimental birds which were divided into three treatment groups for each kind of bird. Isolated native probiotic strains from chicken intestine were used to prepare lyophilized probiotic samples. Growth performances were measured manually, serum biochemicals analysis were carried out using diagnostic kits, and meat quality was determined through Kjeldahl method and Soxhlet method. When compared to groups receiving antibiotics, the introduction of lyophilized probiotics in starter feed significantly (P<0.05) increased body weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio. The birds' serum calcium and protein levels likewise exhibited a similar pattern. Comparing the groups receiving antibiotics, the protein content of the meat revealed significant (P<0.05) variations. Significant (P<0.05) reduced level of serum total cholesterol, triglycerides and fat content in meat was observed when compared to antibiotic-fed group. It is possible to conclude that lyophilized probiotics have a significant positive impact on growth performance, serum metabolites and meat quality. The findings of the study could open up new avenues for the application and adoption of native probiotic-based poultry feeds as an alternative to antibiotic-based poultry feeds among stakeholders.

Antibiotic Susceptibility Profiles of Bacterial Isolates Recovered from Abscesses in Cattle and Sheep at a Slaughterhouse in Algeria.

Abscesses represent the most prominent emerging problem in the red meat industry, leading to great economic constraints and public health hazards. Data on etiological agents present in these purulent lesions in Algeria are very scarce. The aim of this study was to identify the bacteria responsible for these abscesses and to determine their antibiotic susceptibility profiles. A total of 123 samples of abscesses from 100 slaughtered sheep and 23 slaughtered cattle were cultured in several media. A total of 114 bacterial isolates were cultured from 103 abscesses. Bacteria were identified using MALDI-TOF, and antibiotic susceptibility was determined by the disk diffusion method on Mueller-Hinton agar. A total of 73.6% (n = 84) corresponded to Enterobacterales, of which four were multidrug-resistant (MDR). These isolates, together with Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase negative Staphylococci, and seven randomly chosen susceptible Escherichia coli isolates, were further characterized using WGS. Resistome analysis of the four MDR Enterobacterales isolates revealed the presence of OXA-48 carbapenemase in two Klebsiella pneumoniae ST985 and one E. coli ST10 isolates and a CTX-M-15 ESBL in one E. coli isolate ST1706. Two coagulase-negative Staphylococci isolates were found to carry the mecA gene. WGS showed the presence of different resistance genes and virulence genes. Our study revealed 5% of MDR Enterobacterales (including ESBLs and carbapenemases) identified from abscesses, thus urging the need for abscess monitoring in slaughterhouses.

Unlocking the Power of Influenza Vaccines for Pediatric Population: A Narrative Review.

The flu, often known as influenza, is a dangerous public health hazard for the pediatric population. Immunization is essential for decreasing the burden of the disease and avoiding complications related to influenza. However, the immunogenicity, efficacy, and safety of different influenza vaccines in children warrant careful evaluation. The purpose of this narrative review is to give a summary of the existing literature on the immunogenicity, efficacy, and safety of several vaccinations against influenza viruses in children. The review incorporates evidence from a range of studies focusing on the outcomes of interest. Immunogenicity studies have shown that influenza vaccines induce a robust immune response in children, primarily through neutralizing antibodies' formation. However, variations in vaccine composition influence the duration and magnitude of immune responses. Safety is a crucial consideration in pediatric vaccination. In children, influenza vaccinations have generally shown a high safety profile, with mild and temporary side effects being the most common. Vaccinations against influenza have shown a modest level of efficacy in avoiding hospitalizations linked to influenza, laboratory-confirmed influenza infections, and serious consequences in children. Live attenuated vaccines have shown higher effectiveness against matched strains compared to inactivated vaccines. In conclusion, this narrative review highlights that receiving influenza vaccination in children aged six to 47 months is very important. While different vaccines exhibit varying immunogenicity, safety profiles, and effectiveness, they all contribute to reducing the burden of influenza among children. Future research should focus on optimizing vaccine strategies, improving vaccine coverage, and evaluating long-term protection.

Partial genomic characterization of Chromobacterium piscinae from India reveals multi drug resistance.

Species of genus Chromobacterium have been isolated from diverse geographical settings, which exhibits significant metabolic flexibility as well as biotechnological and pathogenic properties. This study describes the isolation, characterization, draft assembly, and detailed sequence analysis of Chromobacterium piscinae strain W1B-CG-NIBSM isolated from water samples from multi use community pond. The organism was characterized by biochemical tests, Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI TOF-MS) and partial genome sequencing. The partial genomic data ofChromobacterium pisciane isolate W1B NIBSM strainwas submitted to GenBank with Bio project number PRJNA803347 and accession no CP092474. An integrated genome analysis of Chromobacterium piscinae has been accomplished with PATRIC which indicates good quality genome. DNA sequencing using the illumina HiSeq 4000 system generated total length of 4,155,481bp with 63 contig with G + C content is 62.69%. This partial genome contains 4,126 protein-coding sequences (CDS), 27 repeats region and 78 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes as well as 3 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. The genomic annotation of Chromobacterium W1B depicts 2,925 proteins with functional assignments and 1201 hypothetical proteins. A repertoire of specialty genes implicated in antibiotic resistance (45 genes), drug target (6 genes), Transporter (3 genes) and virulence factor (10 genes). The genomic analysis reveals the adaptability, displays metabolic varied pathways and shows specific structural complex and various virulence factors which makes this strain multi drug resistant. The isolate was found to be highly resistant to β-lactam antibiotics whereas it showed sensitivity towards aminoglycosides and fluoroquinolone antibiotics. Hence, the recovery of Chromobacterium piscinae from community pond evidenced for uncertain hidden source of public health hazard. To the best of authors knowledge this is first report of isolation and genomic description of C. piscinae from India.

"Buffalo Milk Adulteration in South Punjab (Pakistan) -A Public Health Hazard"

"Buffalo Milk Adulteration in South Punjab (Pakistan) -A Public Health Hazard"

Ayurvedic Insights into Re-Emerging Human Brucellosis

Brucellosis is a bacterial infection caused by Brucella melintensis. It is one of the most widespread endemic zoonotic diseases present globally, more prevalent in developing countries. It is transmitted to humans either through direct contact with infected animal tissues or fluids or indirectly by ingesting contaminated meat and unpasteurized dairy products. The route of transmission includes mainly mucocutaneous. Farmers, butchers, hunters, and veterinarians are mainly at higher risk of contracting this condition. Mostly the affected individuals exhibit flu-like symptoms, remittent fever, malaise, arthralgia, and weight loss which lasts from a few days to several years. The condition is often misdiagnosed due to nonspecific clinical symptoms, leading to inadequate treatment and prolonged illness leading to severe complications like endocarditis. Currently, there is no vaccine for human brucellosis. The modern management includes administration of antibiotics. The gold standard diagnostic tool is direct bacteriological testing. Ayurvedic understanding of endemic diseases highlights the unique concept of Janapathhodhwamsa proposed by Acharyas. They considered Vayu, Jala, Kala, and Desa as common factors in manifestation of disease. Any alteration in these factors can be understood as imbalance and disease outbreak emerged due to urbanization, lack of hygienic measures in animal husbandry, etc. remaining a public health hazard. Brucellosis is known by its undulant nature which closely resembles the Vishama Jwara in classics which is a Sannipatika type of Jwara. Amapachana, Shodhana, and Samana line of management followed by Rasayana, Satvritta Palana as a preventive line can be adopted to manage Brucellosis.

A breath of toxic air: The relationship between appraised air pollution, abusive supervision, and laissez-faire leadership through the dual-mediating pathways of negative affect and somatic complaints.

Air pollution has become a global public health hazard leading to debilitating effects on physical, mental, and emotional health. Management research has just begun to explore the effects of air pollution on employees' work life. Drawing from the transactional theory of stress (Lazarus & Folkman, 1984) and crossover theory (Westman, 2001), we argue that appraisal of air pollution is an important factor that influences leaders and their behavior with subordinates. Specifically, we propose that when leaders appraise severe air pollution, they are more likely to behave abusively toward their subordinates and engage in laissez-faire leadership. We also propose that this relationship is mediated by leaders' experience of somatic complaints and negative affect. We test our model using an experience sampling study in India of leaders and followers who were located in different cities from each other. Overall, our results highlight how air pollution appraisals can harm not only the leader experiencing the pollution but also subordinates of those leaders. In other words, our counterintuitive finding is that subordinates may be harmed by air pollution to which they are not even directly exposed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Escherichia coli resistance mechanism AcrAB-TolC efflux pump interactions with commonly used antibiotics: a molecular dynamics study

While antibiotic resistance poses a threat from both Gram-positive bacteria (GPB) and Gram-negative bacteria (GNB), GNB pose a more imminent public health hazard globally. GNB are a threat to growing antibiotic resistance because of the complex makeup of the membrane. The AcrAB-TolC efflux pump is a known resistance mechanism of Escherichia coli (E. coli) cells. This study utilized molecular dynamics modeling to visualize some of the changes occurring at a molecular level when airborne bacteria are exposed to stress and antibiotics. This study was conducted to build upon previous experimental research showing that there is an increase in antibiotic resistance and efflux pump activity when exposed to aerosolization. AcrB and AcrAB-TolC proteins were simulated under standard and increased pressure to compare the effect of aerosolization on the binding to the three different antibiotics (puromycin (PUY), ampicillin (AMP) and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (SXT)) to the AcrB binding site. Analysis such as root-mean-square deviation of atomic positions and root-mean-square fluctuation, the opening of TolC, and the significant molecular mechanics with generalized Born and surface area solvation (MM-GBSA) scores associated with specific ligands were recorded. Resistance in experimental data indicated a relationship between the docking scores and some ligand–protein interactions. Results showed that there was more flexibility in the proteins within simulations conducted under standard pressure for the AcrB protein and the full tripartite complex AcrAB-TolC, showing that increased pressure causes more rigidity. MM-GBSA scores, used to calculate the free energy of ligand–protein binding, did not show a significant change, but interestingly, the strongest MM-GBSA scores were for ligands that moved to another binding pocket and did not result in resistance or opening of the efflux pump. However, the ligand moved from the binding site and did not cause the opening of TolC to increase significantly, whereas PUY and AMP were bound to the binding site for the duration of all simulations. AMP ligands under increased pressure showed the largest change in opening of the TolC efflux pump and aligns with experimental data showing E. coli cells had the most resistance to AMP after aerosolization. These results, in addition to other real-time changes such as OM proteins and mutations of targets within the cell, could be used to delineate and mitigate antibiotic resistance mechanisms.

Short communication: Forecasting Shellfish Aquaculture Threats. An Earth Observation Derived Tool Aiming at Avoiding Microbiological Public Health Hazards

Shellfish aquaculture is of great importance in offering a sustainable food source, thus playing a major role towards achieving food security and nutrition, employment, and economic development in coastal areas. Mussel aquaculture, in particular, offers a substantial development opportunity for Black Sea riparian countries; however, a significant attention must be given to zoo-sanitary conditions and public health, considering the filter-feeding behaviour of these organisms. With the involvement of GFCM’s Aquaculture Demonstrative Center (hosted by NIMRD), the microbiological classification of bivalve mollusk production and relaying areas in Romania was performed. Yet, the regular monitoring of these areas is not enough to prevent accidental contamination of shellfish farms, in case a potential harmful discharge from a wastewater treatment plant occurs. In this contet, the goal of our research was to develop a prediction tool, focused on an early warning system of any possibly microbiologically loaded water discharge (Escherichia coli), using a downscaling of CMEMS Earth Observation data and in situ validation. The developed service module can give farmers the ability to predict a potential harmful outbreak and decide to harvest earlier or later and/or keep the mussels in a purification tank before marketing, in order to avoid any possible E. coli contaminated harvest to be put on the market involuntarily.

Potential public health hazards related to consumption of poultry contaminated with antibiotic resistant Listeria monocytogenes in Egypt

Listeria monocytogenes is an important foodborne pathogen that incorporated into many serious infections in human especially immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, the elderly, and newborns. The consumption of food contaminated with such bacteria is considered a source of potential risk for consumers. Therefore, a total of 250 poultry purchased in highly popular poultry stores besides 50 swabs from workers hands in the same stores, in Mansoura City had been tested for the L. monocytogenes prevalence, virulence genes, and antibiotic resistance profile illustrating the health hazards from such poultry. The L. monocytogenes were recovered from 9.6% of poultry samples while not detected from workers hand swabs. The antimicrobial susceptibility of 24 L. monocytogenes strains against 24 antibiotics of seven different classes revealed high susceptibility rates to erythromycin (79.17%), streptomycin (66.67%), gentamycin (66.67%), vancomycin (58.33%), chloramphenicol (58.33%) and cefotaxime (41.67%). The majority (79.2%) of L. monocytogenes were classified as multidrug resistant strains with high resistance to tetracyclines and β-lactams antibiotics while 16.7% of the strains were categorized as extensively resistant ones. The iap virulence-specific determination gene had been detected in all recovered L. monocytogenes isolates while 83.33 and 70.83% of the isolates harbored hylA and actA genes. In addition, the study confirmed the capability of most L. monocytogenes isolates for biofilm formation by moderate to strong production and the quantitative risk assessment illustrated the risk of developing listeriosis as the risk value exceeded 100. The current results illustrate that poultry meat can be a source of pathogenic antibiotic resistant strains that may cause infection with limited or no treatment in immunosuppressed consumers via the food chain.

Availability of antimalarial medicines and inventory management at the community level: a case study of Bugesera district in Rwanda

BackgroundMalaria is a public health hazard globally, with Sub-Saharan Africa accounting for more than 90% of malaria deaths, primarily affecting children under the age of five. In Rwanda, malaria interventions include the availability of antimalarial medications, notably Artemisinin-based combination treatments (ACTs) and quick diagnostic test kits (RDTs). However, the availability of antimalarial medicines and its related inventory management at community level in Rwanda has yet to be identified.MethodsThe study was conducted using a descriptive cross-sectional research design. The study involved the Community Health Workers (CHWs) in Bugesera District, working as a team of one male-female pair called Binômes. CHWs provide Integrated Community Case Management (iCCM) and treatment of Malaria in the villages. The sample size was 295 and respondents were selected using convenient random sampling from 15 sectors of Bugesera District, each cell being represented. A structured research questionnaire was used to collect data. The questionnaires were filled by CHWs who were available for this study at the time of data collection. Collected data were exported to SPSS version 26 for coding and analysis.ResultsThe CHWs reported to be actively involved in managing the antimalarial medicines inventory. Overall, 64.1% of CHWs indicated that the population could easily obtain antimalarial medicines from community health workers and 31.2% attested that people could also obtain antimalarial medicines from the health centers. Majority of respondents 78% confirmed that the CHWs had the appropriate storage conditions for antimalarial medicines, while the overall stock out recorded was 3.20%. Furthermore, CHWs described some challenges, including but not limited to, lack of appropriate or dependable transportation and inappropriate medicines storage. Transportation was reported as a critical barrier for accessing antimalarial medicines. The majority, 70,85% travel on foot while 25.4% reported that CHWs walk for a distance between 1 and 2 h for resupply of antimalarial medicines.ConclusionThis study investigated the availability of antimalarial medicines and inventory management challenges at community level in Rwanda. Addressing these challenges will reduce the rate of stockout and increase the availability of antimalarial medicine at community level. Appropriate storage, and reduction of stock out rate, will serve to strengthen the current CHWs system, and provide critical guidance for the evolution of CHWs’ systems in Rwanda.

Modifiable lifestyle factors influencing psychiatric disorders mediated by plasma proteins: A systemic Mendelian randomization study

BackgroundPsychiatric disorders are emerging as a serious public health hazard, influencing an increasing number of individuals worldwide. However, the effect of modifiable lifestyle factors on psychiatric disorders remains unclear. MethodsGenome-wide association studies (GWAS) summary statistics were obtained mainly from Psychiatric Genomics Consortium and UK Biobank, with sample sizes varying between 10,000 and 1,200,000. The two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) method was applied to investigate the causal associations between 45 lifestyle factors and 13 psychiatric disorders, and screen potential mediator proteins from 2992 candidate plasma proteins. We implemented a four-step framework with step-by-step screening incorporating two-step, univariable, and multivariable MR. ResultsWe found causal effects of strenuous sports or other exercise on Tourette's syndrome (OR [95%CI]: 0.0047 [5.24E-04–0.042]); lifelong smoking index on attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (10.53 [6.96–15.93]), anxiety disorders (3.44 [1.95–6.05]), bipolar disorder (BD) (2.25 [1.64–3.09]), BD II (2.89 [1.81–4.62]), and major depressive disorder (MDD) (2.47 [1.90–3.20]); and educational years on anorexia nervosa (AN) (1.47 [1.22–1.76]), and MDD (0.74 [0.66–0.83]). Five proteins were found to have causal associations with psychiatric disorders, namely ADH1B, GHDC, STOM, CD226, and TP63. STOM, a membrane protein deficient in the erythrocytes of hereditary stomatocytosis patients, may mediate the effect of educational attainment on AN. LimitationsThe mechanisms underlying the effects of lifestyle factors on psychiatric disorders require further investigation. ConclusionsThese findings could help assess the risk of psychiatric disorders based on lifestyle factors and also support lifestyle interventions as a prevention strategy for mental illness.

Isolation, Identification and Antibiogram of Bacteria Isolated from Raw Cow Milk in Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State

The study was conducted to isolate and identify the bacteria, to know the sources of contamination of milk and antibiotic sensitivity of bacteria obtained from Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State. A total of 45 samples were collected from different locations in Dutsin-Ma such as Wednesday market, opposite the FUDMA takeoff site and Hospital road. All these samples were analyzed by culturing in different media such as Salmonella-Shigella agar, Eosin Methylene Blue agar, Mannitol Salt Agar, Nutrient agar, Cetrimide agar, and MacConkey agar. Biochemical tests were performed to identify the organism. Among 45 samples, 20 (37.7%) were Staphylococcus spp. Similarly, 11 (20.8%), 6 (11.3%), 4(7.5%) and 12(22.6%) were found positive for Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella and Salmonella spp. and. respectively. Results of the antibiotic sensitivity test represent that, out of ten antibiotics Staphylococcus sp. were very sensitive against Gentamicin (95%), Ciprofloxacin (90%), Streptomycin (70%), and highly resistant against Zinnacef (60%), Ampiclox (70%), Amoxicillin (50%). Salmonella sp. were highly sensitive to Pefloxacin (83.3%), Sparfloxacin (83.3%), and Ciprofloxacin (95%), but resistant against Augmentin (83.3%), Streptomycin (75%), Sulfamethoxazole (66.6%). Klebsiella spp. were highly sensitive to Pefloxacin (50%), Sparfloxacin, Chloramphenicol (75%), and Ciprofloxacin (75%), but resistant to Gentamicin (100%), Streptomycin (100%), Sulfamethoxazole (75%), Augmentin (75%). Escherichia coli were highly sensitive to Gentamicin (72.7%), Ciprofloxacin (100%), Ofloxacin (90.9%), Sparfloxacin (72.7%), but highly resistant to Sulphamethoxazole (72.2%), Whereas, Pseudomonas aeruginosa were highly sensitive Ciprofloxacin (100%), Chloramphenicol (66.6%), Ofloxacin (66.6%), but highly resistant against Streptomycin (100%), Augmentin 83.35%), Perfloxacin (83.3%). Data from this study suggested that raw milk contaminated with drug-resistant bacteria may cause public health hazards.

Primordial and Primary Prevention of Ischemic Stroke in Saudi Arabia: A Combination Approach and Evolving Concepts.

Ischemic stroke is a considerable public health hazard and a significant cause of disability and mortality in Saudi Arabia. Primary prevention strategies in the country are currently limited. With the health sector transformation program that depends on the principles of value-based care and applying the new model of care in disease prevention, aggressive and serious steps for primary stroke prevention are expected to be implemented. This article reviews primordial and primary prevention of ischemic stroke in Saudi Arabia and suggests a combination approach and framework for implementation. We provide a pragmatic solution to implement primordial and primary stroke prevention in Saudi Arabia and specify the roles of the government, health professionals, policymakers, and the entire population. Currently, there are several key priorities for primordial and primary stroke prevention in Saudi Arabia that should target people at different levels of risk. These include an emphasis on a comprehensive approach that includes both individual and population-based strategies and establishing partnerships across health-care providers to share responsibility for developing and implementing both strategies. This is an urgent call for action to initiate different strategies suggested by experts for primary stroke prevention in Saudi Arabia.

Assessment of Slaughter Slabs Waste Management on Meat, Environment and Public Health in Khartoum State

Stratified random sampling was adopted for this study to detect and interprets the impacts of three slaughter slabs’ waste on the public and environmental health. While hazard analysis critical control points (HACCP) prerequisite programs (PRPs) in the investigated slaughter slabs were assessed by administering structured checklist. Verification for these PRPs by microbiological quality of meat was determined using both Aerobic Plate Count (APC) and Total Coliform Count (TCC). In addition, the assessment of the awareness of neighborhood residence pertaining public health and environmental hazards implications of the slaughter slabs waste was done by administering two semi-structured questionnaires; the first of which targeted 50 respondents of neighborhood residence and the other targeted 10 hospitals located at the vicinity of the slaughter slabs and contained questions pertaining to medical staff perceptions and medical records of cases diagnosed as public health diseases. The result revealed that the three slaughter slabs failed to attain compliance with FAO requirements. This was reflected in the higher microbial content of meat samples with mean total bacteria count (TBC) 16. 7× 10 5; 16. 6 × 105 and 13.9 × 105 in slaughter slabs A, B and C, respectively. A highly statistically significant difference was found in the TBC between the three slaughter slabs with P &lt; 0.05. These values were higher than the standard permissible limit (1× 105). Moreover, the mean total coliform count using (MPN) in the three slabs were 263, 418 and 361 in slaughter slab A, B and C, respectively with a higher significant difference in the TCC compared to the standard permissible limit (1×102) of MPN. The results also showed that 90% of the respondents agreed that there were public and environmental hazards of slaughter slab waste to residential neighborhoods. The findings also disclosed that 100% of the investigated physicians in charge of hospitals in the vicinity of slaughter slabs confirmed that there was association between slaughter slab waste and infectious diseases, gastro-intestinal infections as well as spread of respiratory infection. It could be concluded that slaughter slabs’ waste had negatively impacted both public and environmental health of the residential neighborhoods.