Macroalgae as spatial and temporal bioindicators of coastal metal pollution following remediation and diversion of acid mine drainage

© 2019 Elsevier Inc. Acid mine drainage (AMD) is a significant contributor of metal pollution leading to ecosystem damage. Bioindicator organisms such as intertidal brown macroalgae have an important role in quantifying the risks of metal bioaccumulation in coastal locations exposed to AMD contamination. Measurement of As, Cd, Cu, Fe, Pb, and Zn accumulation was performed in Fucus serratus, Fucus vesiculosus and Ascophyllum nodosum sampled from two marine locations near to an abandoned Cu mine in Anglesey, Wales, UK. Transect samples were taken from a coastal location (Amlwch) that has seen a substantial increase in AMD contamination over 15 years, in comparison to a nearby estuarine location (Dulas Estuary leading to Dulas Bay) with a historic legacy of pollution. These were compared with samples from the same sites taken 30 years earlier. Some of the Dulas macroalgae samples had Cd, Cu and Zn concentrations that were above background but in general indicated a non-polluted estuary in comparison to substantial pollution over previous decades. In contrast, Fucus samples collected from directly below an AMD outflow at Amlwch showed extremely elevated metal bioaccumulation (>250 mg Fe g−1, >6 mg Cu g−1, >2 mg Zn g−1, >190 μg As g−1) and evidence of macroalgae toxicity, indicating severe pollution at this site. However, the pollution dispersed within 200 m of the outflow source. This study has demonstrated the efficiency of three brown macroalgae species as indicators for metal bioavailability at high spatial resolution and over time

Hepatitis B virus among Saudi National Guard Personnel: Seroprevalence and risk of exposure

Summary: Background: Data on HBV prevalence among active military personnel in Saudi Arabia (SA) are lacking. In addition, the work-related risk of exposure is unclear. The objective of this study was to estimate the seroprevalence of HBV and the risk of HBV exposure among SA National Guard (SANG) soldiers. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed and included 400 male SANG soldiers working in Jeddah during January 2009. All soldiers completed a questionnaire to assess their risk of exposure and gave a blood sample to test for hepatitis serology markers. Results: A total of 16 (4.0%) soldiers were positive for HbsAg, 53 (13.2%) were positive for anti-HBc, and 230 (57.5%) were positive for anti-HBs. None of the soldiers had acute HBV infection, but 15 (3.8%) were chronic HBV carriers. A total of 152 (38.0%) soldiers were susceptible to HBV infection, and 230 (57.5%) were immune to HBV infection, primarily (84.3%) due to HBV vaccination. Compared with those who were negative for anti-HBc (never exposed), soldiers who were positive for anti-HBc were more likely to be older, have a lower education level, have a higher income, have a longer service duration, have a household member with HBV disease, have undergone surgery, or have undergone endoscopy. In the multivariate logistic regression model, older age, presence of a household member with HBV disease and previous endoscopy were independent predictors of HBV exposure. Conclusion: We report a 4% prevalence of HBsAg in the Saudi military population. This HBV prevalence was higher than those in the general Saudi population and military populations from Western countries. Both work-related and community-related risk factors for exposure are suggested. Keywords: Hepatitis B virus, Prevalence, Exposure, Military, Saudi Arabi

Improvement of the low knowledge, attitude and practice of hepatitis B virus infection among Saudi national guard personnel after educational intervention

Abstract Background Although the risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) was reported to be higher in military personnel than the general population in Saudi Arabia (SA), there is lack of studies assessing HBV awareness among them. The objective was to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of HBV infection among military personnel. Methods An intervention design with pre- and post-education KAP questionnaire was completed among National Guard soldiers working in Jeddah during January 2009. Educational intervention was provided through educational leaflets, group and individual discussions, visual show, and a lecture. A score was created from the correct answers to 58 questions. Results A total of 400 male soldiers with mean age 30.7 ± 6.1 years completed both questionnaires. The majority had school education (96.8%) and in the lower military ranks (66.0%). Only 19.5% of soldiers reported HBV vaccine intake. The low median and inter-quartile range of the pre-intervention score (16, 6–26) markedly increased after education (to 53, 50–55, p Conclusion We are reporting a low level of HBV awareness among Saudi military population. The study confirms the need and effectiveness of focused multifaceted educational campaigns among the military population.</p

Clinical practice guidelines for the management of invasive Candida infections in adults in the Middle East region: Expert panel recommendations

Invasive Candida infections contribute to significant morbidity and mortality in patients with healthcare-associated infections. They represent a major burden on the public health system, and are challenging to diagnose and treat.A multidisciplinary expert panel critically reviewed available evidence to provide consensus recommendations for the management of invasive Candida infections in the Middle East.Based on diagnosis, recommendations were provided for the management of Candida infections in non-neutropenic and neutropenic patients. Polyenes (amphotericin B-deoxycholate [AmB-d] and lipid formulations amphotericin B [LFAmB]), triazoles (fluconazole, itraconazole and voriconazole), echinocandins (caspofungin, anidulafungin, and micafungin) and flucytosine are the recommended categories of antifungal agents for treatment of Candida infections. Echinocandins are preferred for treatment of proven and suspected Candida infections, especially in critically ill patients or those with previous exposure to azoles. Recommendations were also provided for infections caused by specific Candida species as well as management of different disease conditions.The experts highlighted that the guidelines should be used along with clinical judgment. Given the paucity of published data from the region, research in the form of randomized clinical trials should be given priority. Keywords: Candida, Treatment, Guidelines, Candidiasis, Middle Eas