Effects of metal pollutants on magnetic and chemical properties of soils and plant biomass: experimental studies in Environmental Magnetism

Understanding the interactions and effects of biotic and abiotic factors on magnetic parameter measurements used to assess levels of pollutants requires experimental analysis of potential individual parameters. Using magnetic and chemical measurements, three separate experimental studies were conducted in order to evaluate the separate and combined effects of soil composition, atmospheric exposure, and contaminant levels on soil magnetic susceptibility (MS) measurements, plant growth and metal uptake by plants. Experiment 1 examined the effects of incorporating an artificial Fe-rich contaminant into a synthetic soil on surficial soil magnetic properties and plant growth inside a greenhouse. Periodic measurements of surficial soil MS showed significant decreases in MS values in the three treatments (two levels of Fe-contamination and controls), with the greatest reduction in soils with the most contamination, and the least in controls. Three potential causes were suggested: Fe uptake by plants, magnetic minerals transformation, and downward migration of Fe-particles. Some arguments for the first two causes were discussed; however, the third possibility was separately evaluated in the second and third experiments. In the follow-up study (Experiment 2) conducted to examine the effects of ambient atmospheric pollution on magnetic and chemical properties of soils and plant biomass, the overall surficial soil MS was found to be significantly higher in synthetic soils exposed to a natural atmosphere in comparison to controls placed in a greenhouse. Root biomass samples taken from the exposed soils had much higher trace/heavy metal concentrations. Such increases in soil MS and bioavailability of metals in the exposed soils indicate that atmospheric pollution affected the soil and plants grown in there. Microscopic observations of Fe-rich particles from the post-harvest exposed soil revealed morphologies similar to Fe-containing particulates from power plants and transportation and related sources. Experiment 3 examined the vertical migration behavior of Fe-particles in natural soils, and contaminated soil cores showed magnetic enhancement at depths of 2 to 9 cm, with the Fe-rich particles at that depth having very similar morphologies to the contaminant (magnetite powder) used, suggesting that the contaminant migrated vertically downward in soil at a observable rate, most likely due to infiltration of rainwater

Depression among inmates in a regional prison of eastern Nepal: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Depression is the most common form of mental disorder among inmates, with a prevalence much higher than in the general population. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of depression among inmates and identify factors associated with it. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in Jhumka Regional Prison, the largest prison in eastern Nepal, from September 2014 to August 2015. A total of 434 randomly selected inmates were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire examining socio-demographic characteristics, detention status, self-reported health problems, substance use status, and suicidal ideation. Depression was screened using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale. Chi-square tests and multiple logistic regression analysis were applied to determine the association between depression and related variables. Results The mean age of the participants was 35.7 years (SD 13.3). The prevalence of depression among the inmates was 35.3%. Approximately 2.3% reported suicidal ideation during imprisonment and 0.9% had attempted suicide inside the prison. In bivariate analysis, depression was significantly associated with previous incarceration (OR = 1.91, 95% CI = 1.05–3.47, p = 0.033), poor self-rated health (OR = 1.75, 95% CI = 1.16–2.64, p = 0.007), frequent appointments when encountering health problems (OR = 1.66, 95% CI = 1.06–2.61, p = 0.028), suicidal ideation (OR = 4.44, 95%CI = 1.13–17.44, p = 0.038) and loss of weight (OR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.00–2.23, p = 0.049). However, only previous incarceration (AOR = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.04–3.74, p = 0.037) and frequent appointments when encountering health problems (AOR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.01–2.57, p = 0.046) remained significant in a multivariate model. Conclusions This study showed a high rate of depression among inmates in Nepal. The results suggest a need for psychiatric and rehabilitative care in correctional settings to improve the health status of the inmates

Bacterial Assessment of Stethoscopes Used by Healthcare Workers at a Tertiary Care Government Hospital in Bharatpur, Nepal

The transmission of healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) in healthcare settings is a serious challenge in the medical fraternity. Medical devices, such as stethoscopes used by healthcare workers (HCWs), are likely to harbor a considerable number of pathogenic microbes, which may result in the transmission of HCAIs. This study sought to investigate bacterial contamination of stethoscopes used by HCWs at Bharatpur Hospital, Nepal. During the study period of 3 months from December 2019 to February 2020, a total of 87 stethoscopes were examined; bacterial pathogens were isolated and identified by culture and biochemical tests, and their susceptibilities against different antibiotics were determined using standard protocols of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). The disc diffusion method was used primarily to screen for extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)- and metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL)-producing isolates, followed by their confirmation using cephalosporin/clavulanate combination discs and the disc potentiation methods, respectively. In addition, molecular detection of blaCTX-M and blaVIM genes was performed using conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Of the 87 stethoscopes examined, more than a quarter (28.7%) were colonized with different pathogenic bacteria. Bacterial contamination of stethoscopes was found to be significantly associated with various factors, such as disinfecting routine, method of disinfection, and department of the hospital (p S. aureus (MRSA) was 44.44%, and approximately half of the Gram-negative isolates (47%) were multidrug resistant (MDR). Imipenem (81.25%) and chloramphenicol (83.33%) were found to be the most effective antibiotics for Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, respectively. Phenotypic screening showed that 43.75% of isolates were ESBL producers, and 18.75% were MBL producers, but blaCTX-M and blaVIM genes were detected in only 31.25% and 6.25% of isolates, respectively. The results of the study call for effective stethoscope disinfection practices along with the judicious use of antibiotics by HCWs in order to minimize cross-contamination, emergence of resistance, and spread of nosocomial infections in clinical settings