13 research outputs found
Hepatitis Viruses B and D and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infections in Hemodialysis Patients in the South of Iran: Prevalence and Genotypes
Hepatitis B and C infection in haemodialysis patients in Libya: prevalence, incidence and risk factors
Background: Patients receiving maintenance haemodialysis (HD) are at higher risk for acquiring Hepatitis B Virus
(HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infections than the general population. Strict infection control measures are
essential to prevent nosocomial transmission. We aimed to investigate the incidence and prevalence of HBV and
HCV infection in the HD population of Libya as well as risk factors for infection.
Methods: All adult patients receiving maintenance HD (n=2382) in Libyan dialysis centres (n=39) were studied
between May 2009 and October 2010. Testing for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HCV antibodies was
performed at initiation of dialysis and every 3â6 months thereafter. Patients who were sero-negative for HBV and
HCV (n=1160) were followed up for 1 year to detect sero-conversions.
Results: Participant median age was 49 years and 58% were male. 831 patients (34.9%) were sero-positive for HBV
and/or HCV (anti-HCV positive 31.1%; HBsAg positive 2.6%; both positive 1.2%). Of the sero-positive patients
4.7% were known to be infected before the initiation of HD. The prevalence of HBV±HCV infection varied widely
between HD centres from 0% to 75.9%. Sero-positive patients were younger, had longer time on dialysis and more
previous blood transfusions. Prospective follow-up revealed an incidence of sero-conversion of 7.7% during 1 year
(7.1% HCV; 0.6% HBV). Wide variation in rates of newly acquired infections was observed between dialysis centres.
All new HBV cases were referred from centres already treating HBV infected patients. New HCV infections were
reported in most centres but the rate of HCV sero-conversion varied widely from 1.5% to 31%. Duration of dialysis,
history of previous renal transplant and history of receiving HD in another centre in Libya were significantly
associated with sero-conversion.
Conclusion: Patients on maintenance HD in Libya have a high incidence and prevalence of HCV infection and
lower rates of HBV infection. The factors associated with HBV and HCV infection are highly suggestive of
nosocomial transmission within HD units. Urgent action is required to improve infection control measures in HD
centres and to reduce dependence on blood transfusions for the treatment of anaemia.
Keywords: Haemodialysis, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Incidence, Libya, Nosocomial infection, Prevalenc
Investigation of Hydrogen Sulfide Exposure and Lung Function, Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in a Geothermal Area of New Zealand
BackgroundResults have been conflicting whether long-term ambient hydrogen sulfide (H2S) affects lung function or is a risk factor for asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Rotorua city, New Zealand, has the world's largest population exposed to ambient H2S-from geothermal sources.ObjectivesWe investigated associations of H2S with lung function, COPD and asthma in this population.Methods1,204 of 1,639 study participants, aged 18-65 years during 2008-2010, provided satisfactory spirometry results. Residences, workplaces and schools over the last 30 years were geocoded. Exposures were estimated from data collected by summer and winter H2S monitoring networks across Rotorua. Four metrics for H2S exposure, representing both current and long-term (last 30 years) exposure, and also time-weighted average and peak exposures, were calculated. Departures from expected values for pre-bronchodilator lung function, calculated from prediction equations, were outcomes for linear regression models using quartiles of the H2S exposure metrics. Separate models examined participants with and without evidence of asthma or COPD, and never- and ever-smokers. Logistic regression was used to investigate associations of COPD (a post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC ResultsNone of the exposure metrics produced evidence of lung function decrement. The logistic regression analysis showed no evidence that long-term H2S exposure at Rotorua levels was associated with either increased COPD or asthma risk. Some results suggested that recent ambient H2S exposures were beneficially associated with lung function parameters.ConclusionsThe study found no evidence of reductions in lung function, or increased risk of COPD or asthma, from recent or long-term H2S exposure at the relatively high ambient concentrations found in Rotorua. Suggestions of improved lung function associated with recent ambient H2S exposures require confirmation in other studies
Ambient hydrogen sulfide, total reduced sulfur, and hospital visits for respiratory diseases in northeast Nebraska, 1998â2000
Prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen among hemodialysis patients from Middle Eastern countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Serum thyroid hormones and trace element concentrations in crossbred holstein cattle naturally infected with Theileria annulata
Effect of Fe3+ Doping in the Photocatalytic Properties of BaSnO3 Perovskite
<div><p>In the last ten years, stannates with perovskite structure have been tested as photocatalysts. In spite of the ability of perovskite materials to accommodate different cations in its structure, evaluation of doped stannates is not a common task in the photocatalysis area. In this work, Fe3+ doped BaSnO3 was synthesized by the modified Pechini method, with calcination between 300 and 800ÂșC/4 h. The powder precursor was characterized by thermogravimetry after partial elimination of carbon. Characterization after the second calcination step was done by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and UV-visible spectroscopy. Materials were tested in the photocatalytic discoloration of the Remazol Golden Yellow azo dye under UVC irradiation. Higher photocatalytic efficiency was observed under acid media. As no meaningful adsorption was observed at this condition we believe that an indirect mechanism prevails. Fe3+ doping decreased the band gap and favored the photocatalytic reaction, which may be assigned to the formation of intermediate levels inside the band gap.</p></div