Physicochemical Characteristics and Trace Metal Levels of Locally Dug Wells in Tunga Area of Minna, Nigeria

Physicochemical characteristics and trace metal levels of water from locally dug wells in Tunga area of Minna were studied using titrimetric and instrumental methods. Trace metal levels in all the studied wellsranged between 0.40-1.50, 0.32-0.95, 0.12-0.50, 0.03-0.21, 0.01-0.04 and 0.01-0.02mg/L for Cu, Fe, Zn, Cr Pb and Cd respectively. The physic-chemical parameters like temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductivity and total dissolved solids gave average values of 27.9oC, 3.89mg/l, 22.62mg/l, and 15.8mg/l respectively. The average concentrations of chlorides, total hardens magnesium and calcium ions analysed were 34.58mg/l, 147.63mg/l, 7.99mg/l and 114.90mg/l respectively. Results from this study showed that the industrial and human activities in this study area pose no majorhealth hazard to their well water, and are therefore fit for their domestic activities. Notwithstanding, regular monitoring of trace metal levels in these wells which act as major sources of water for their domestic activities needto be carried out by regulatory bodies due to the increasing human population in this area

SARS-CoV-2 vaccination modelling for safe surgery to save lives: data from an international prospective cohort study

Background: Preoperative SARS-CoV-2 vaccination could support safer elective surgery. Vaccine numbers are limited so this study aimed to inform their prioritization by modelling. Methods: The primary outcome was the number needed to vaccinate (NNV) to prevent one COVID-19-related death in 1 year. NNVs were based on postoperative SARS-CoV-2 rates and mortality in an international cohort study (surgical patients), and community SARS-CoV-2 incidence and case fatality data (general population). NNV estimates were stratified by age (18-49, 50-69, 70 or more years) and type of surgery. Best- and worst-case scenarios were used to describe uncertainty. Results: NNVs were more favourable in surgical patients than the general population. The most favourable NNVs were in patients aged 70 years or more needing cancer surgery (351; best case 196, worst case 816) or non-cancer surgery (733; best case 407, worst case 1664). Both exceeded the NNV in the general population (1840; best case 1196, worst case 3066). NNVs for surgical patients remained favourable at a range of SARS-CoV-2 incidence rates in sensitivity analysis modelling. Globally, prioritizing preoperative vaccination of patients needing elective surgery ahead of the general population could prevent an additional 58 687 (best case 115 007, worst case 20 177) COVID-19-related deaths in 1 year. Conclusion: As global roll out of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination proceeds, patients needing elective surgery should be prioritized ahead of the general population