Prevalence of Smoking and Provision of Smoking Cessation Advice during Hospitalization

Aim We aimed to determine the prevalence of smoking and smoking cessation advice received by inpatients in Beaumont Hospital and compared results to previous similar studies. Method Cross-sectional survey where we interviewed eligible in-patients over a two-week period. Results 14.8% (30/203) of participants were current smokers, which is lower than the smoking prevalence found by previous studies. The rate of cessation advice delivery was 53.3% (16/30). An increasing socioeconomic gap between smokers and non-smokers over time was found. Discussion There remains limited provision of smoking cessation advice to inpatients.

Genomic integrity of the Y chromosome sequence-tagged-sites in infertile and Down syndrome Jordanian males.

The long arm of the Y chromosome contains nonoverlapping regions termed azoospermia factor (AZF) with great influence on male fertility. Microdeletions at these regions minimise the males' ability to father offsprings. In this preliminary study, we attempted to screen the presence or absence of twenty Y chromosome's sequence-tagged sites (STS) associated with fertility in infertile and Down syndrome (DS) males. Genomic DNA from 35 fertile, 74 infertile and 22 karyotyped DS males was extracted and amplified in multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) containing 20 primer pairs that amplify Y-specific STS that cover functional regions associated with AZF and spermatogenesis-related genes. Our results indicated the integrity of the Y chromosome at the 20 fertility markers for both the fertile and Down syndrome males. However, the results of the infertile males showed the presence of microdeletions at these Y-specific STS. Three samples showed Y chromosome microdeletion when blood and seminal fluid genomic DNA were assayed, while two samples showed microdeletion only when seminal fluid genomic DNA was assayed. The current study demonstrated that the molecular genetic aspect of infertility should be given proper attention when dealing with infertility cases. Furthermore, our results indicate the importance of genetic counselling in managing infertility cases.

Natural radioactivity level in Yemen: A systematic review of radiological studies.

This paper aimed to conduct a systematic review of 26 published articles from 13 different regions in the Republic of Yemen related to the study of natural radioactivity (NORM) and enhanced artificial radioactivity (TENORM). The study relied on the analysis of various sample types, including air, groundwater, surface water, hot spring water, soil, sand, rocks, building materials, and oil field samples. It also analyzed the study areas, the types of detectors employed, and the study's timeframe. The analytical results raised significant concerns regarding the high levels of radioactivity observed in many of the studied regions. Moreover, some regions indicated the absence of any prior radiological study, despite apparent effects on the population and the environment, which suggest the presence of potential radionuclide concentration. Based on this study, it is strongly recommended that researchers conduct further radiological studies in regions previously studied over extended periods and in areas where no prior radiological studies have been conducted to assess potential radionuclide concentration.

Concentrations of TENORMs in the petroleum industry and their environmental and health effects.

Crude oil and its products and wastes are among the significant sources of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs). These materials may be enhanced to high levels due to technological and human activities, which are called technologically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive materials (TENORMs). Thus, the average radioactivity of these radionuclides sometimes exceeds the exemption level of 10 000 Bq kg-1, which is recommended by the IAEA's safety standards. TENORMs in the oil and gas industry may generate greater radioactivity levels, which eventually represents potential environmental and health risks. This will require continuous attention by monitoring and surveillance during routine processes in the petroleum industry. In this paper, a comprehensive review of the published literature is conducted to evaluate the TENORM concentrations in the oil and gas industry. Moreover, their environmental and health hazards in different regions of the world are discussed.