Pollution of Some Agricultural Soils by Heavy Metals in Kubaisa Iraqi Western Desert – A Case Study

The main objective of this research was to evaluate the presence of heavy metal pollution in the agricultural soil of the Kubaisa district in Anbar province, Iraq. The study focused on areas affected by dust emissions from a nearby cement factory, specifically Maktom District (k1), Kubais (k2), Elkader District (k3), and Agricultural Elkader District (k4). Soil samples were collected from these locations, and a comprehensive analysis of both chemical and physical characteristics was conducted. The concentrations of heavy metals were found to range from (0 - 17.3), (39.1 - 82.6), (33.3 - 182.8), and (0 - 236.5) mg kg-1 for Cd, Ni, Co, and Pb, respectively. These concentrations indicated elevated levels compared to the (Kapata, 2011) standard levels of 0.62, 34, 12, and 34 mg kg-1 for cadmium, Ni, Co, and Pb, respectively. In terms of the Geological Accumulation Index (Igeo), the agricultural districts showed uncontaminated cadmium with accumulation values of 0. Nickel (Ni) levels varied between -0.58 and 0.53, classifying the sediment from uncontaminated to moderately contaminated. Cobalt (Co) exhibited significant contamination, with values ranging from -0.58 to 3.56. Conversely, lead (Pb) concentrations varied from uncontaminated to extremely contaminated, with values spanning from -0.58 to 5.922. The study underscored that the elevated levels of heavy metals were attributed to airborne dust emissions from the Kubais cement factory and various human activities, such as motor vehicle transportation, industrial waste discharge, and household practices. Following established quality guidelines, the pollution levels in the study area were ranked in the order of Pb > Co > Ni > Cd, with lead (Pb) exhibiting the highest degree of contamination

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