Job satisfaction among anesthetists in Ethiopia-a national cross-sectional study

Background Ethiopia has substantially increased production of associate clinician anesthetists. This study aimed to determine the level of and factors that predict job satisfaction among a national sample of anesthetists. Methods A cross-sectional study conducted in 2014 sampled 252 anesthetists. Respondents rated 37 items related to job satisfaction and working and living conditions using a Likert scale, which ranged from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). Univariate and multivariable logistic regressions were used to determine factors associated with the main outcome variable, level of job satisfaction. Adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated to show the magnitude of associations. Results Less than half (n = 107, 42.5%) of anesthetists were satisfied with their job. Work environment (aOR = 1.87, 95% CI = 1.06, 3.31) and more than 10 years of experience working in the public health system (aOR = 4.96, 95% CI = 1.11, 22.13) were predictors of job satisfaction in the multivariable model. Conclusion Ethiopian anesthetists have low levels of job satisfaction, with work environment and years of experience being factors that predict their satisfaction positively. Motivation and retention of this cadre will require emphasis on creating a safe and conducive work environment, and interventions designed to motivate junior anesthetists

Malignancy risk analysis in patients with inadequate fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of the thyroid

Background Thyroid fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is the standard diagnostic modality for thyroid nodules. However, it has limitations among which is the incidence of non-diagnostic results (Thy1). Management of cases with repeatedly non-diagnostic FNAC ranges from simple observation to surgical intervention. We aim to evaluate the incidence of malignancy in non-diagnostic FNAC, and the success rate of repeated FNAC. We also aim to evaluate risk factors for malignancy in patients with non-diagnostic FNAC. Materials and Methods Retrospective analyses of consecutive cases with thyroid non diagnostic FNAC results were included. Results Out of total 1657 thyroid FNAC done during the study period, there were 264 (15.9%) non-diagnostic FNAC on the first attempt. On repeating those, the rate of a non-diagnostic result on second FNAC was 61.8% and on third FNAC was 47.2%. The overall malignancy rate in Thy1 FNAC was 4.5% (42% papillary, 42% follicular and 8% anaplastic), and the yield of malignancy decreased considerably with successive non-diagnostic FNAC. Ultrasound guidance by an experienced head neck radiologist produced the lowest non-diagnostic rate (38%) on repetition compared to US guidance by a generalist radiologist (65%) and by non US guidance (90%). Conclusions There is a low risk of malignancy in patients with a non-diagnostic FNAC result, commensurate to the risk of any nodule. The yield of malignancy decreased considerably with successive non-diagnostic FNAC

Oil-Based Mud Cutting as an Additional Raw Material in Clinker Production

Oil-Based Mud (OBM) cutting is a hazardous by-product generated during oil-well drilling. Its chemical composition suggests that it might be suitable as a raw material in cement manufacturing. It is rich in calcium oxide, silica, and aluminium oxide, which are the major oxides in raw materials for cement manufacturing. In this research, OBM cutting is used as a constituent of the raw meal for cement clinker production. Raw meal mixtures were prepared by mixing different ratios of raw materials increasing OBM content. The impact of the addition of OBM cutting on the resulting clinker has been investigated. The results demonstrate that OBM cutting could be recycled in the manufacturing of Portland cement clinker. Clinker prepared using OBM cutting had very similar properties to that prepared from limestone. This result could represent an opportunity for solving an environmental problem. The addition of OBM cutting lowers the calcination temperature, and increases the rate of carbonate dissociation. However, it also leads to a higher free lime in clinker, which is a result of the presence of trace elements, such as barium. Overall, its use as a raw material in cement production could provide a cost-effective, environment-friendly route for the management of OBM cutting