Prevalence of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) among visitors of Shashemene General Hospital voluntary counseling and testing center

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is significant health problem, as it can lead to chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and hepatic carcinoma. Due to shared routes of transmission, HBV and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infection is common and is an emerging concern in the clinical management of patients because of increased mortality, accelerated hepatic disease progression, and the frequent hepatotoxicity caused by anti-retroviral therapy. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and its risk factors, among individuals visiting Shashemene General Hospital VCT center.</p> <p>Findings</p> <p>Institution based cross-sectional study was performed from November 3, 2008 to December 29, 2008 and 384 voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) clients were investigated. Data on socio demographic and HBV risk factors was collected using structured questionnaires. Blood samples were collected and screened for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and HIV by commercially available rapid test kits. The prevalence of HBsAg in this study group was 5.7%. Fourteen percent of HIV positive subjects (8/57) and 4.3% (14/327) of HIV negative subjects were positive for HBsAg. Significantly high prevalence of HBsAg was observed among individuals who had history of invasive procedures, like tooth extraction, abortion and ear piercing; history of hospital admission, history of unsafe inject and HIV positives.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Although HBsAg prevalence is much higher among subjects who are HIV positive (14.0% versus 4.3%), the prevalence of HBsAg in HIV negative subjects is high enough to warrant a recommendation to screen all clients at VCT centers irrespective of HIV status.</p

Design and implementation of the European-Mediterranean Postgraduate Programme on Organ Donation and Transplantation (EMPODaT) for Middle East/North Africa countries

This prospective study reports the design and results obtained after the EMPODaT project implementation. This project was funded by the Tempus programme of the European Commission with the objective to implement a common postgraduate programme on organ donation and transplantation (ODT) in six selected universities from Middle East/North Africa (MENA) countries (Egypt, Lebanon and Morocco). The consortium, coordinated by the University of Barcelona, included universities from Spain, Germany, Sweden and France. The first phase of the project was to perform an analysis of the current situation in the beneficiary countries, including existing training programmes on ODT, Internet connection, digital facilities and competences, training needs, and ODT activity and accreditation requirements. A total of 90 healthcare postgraduate students participated in the 1-year training programme (30 ECTS academic credits). The methodology was based on e-learning modules and face-to-face courses in English and French. Training activities were evaluated through pre- and post-tests, self-assessment activities and evaluation charts. Quality was assessed through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The project results on a reproducible and innovative international postgraduate programme, improvement of knowledge, satisfaction of the participants and confirms the need on professionalizing the activity as the cornerstone to ensure organ transplantation self-sufficiency in MENA countries

A feasibility study on pillow with tie-dyed pillowcase

Part of the growth of the Philippine textile industry is due to the increasing demand for quality pillows. The concept of pillows with tie-dyed pillowcases is deemed to be unique against other existing pillow products for it offers not only an increase in supply for the existing growing demand, but also a variety. The study is made to determine the marketability, technical aspect, financial management and legal aspects of the business. Moreover, it aims to resolve the socio-economic implications of manufacturing and marketing pillows with tie-dyed pillowcases. A sample of the primary market consisting of men and women ahead 13 to 30 years old, residing in Dona Manuela Subd., Las Piñas Francisco Homes, SJDM, Bulacan Morning Breeze Subd., Caloocan City Sun Valley Subd., Parañaque and Villarica Subd., Cainta Rizal were studied. The survey conducted revealed that there is an existing demand for the said product. Using the results from the survey and the time and motion study undergone by the proponents, a 35.03% market share was determined. Two shapes of pillows with tie-dyed pillowcases will be produced namely, square and heart. Also, rectangular tie-dyed pillowcases will also be produced. Cotton cloth will be used for the pillowcases, while tetoron cloth will be used for the pillow. The other raw materials are fiberfill, dye, zipper, zipperhead and thread. The manufacturing process that will be employed is the assembly-line method. The minimum production capacity is 16 units of the said products per week. Eight of which will be the rectangular tie-dyed pillowcases, 4 units will be square pillows with tie-dyed pillowcases and the 4 units will be the heart-shaped pillows with tie-dyed pillowcases. The production costs for a pair of the rectangular pillowcases, square and heart-shaped pillows with tie-dyed pillowcases are P 167.73, P 104.48 and P 101.96 respectively. On the other hand, the selling price would be P 160.00 for the square, P 150.00 for the heart-shaped and P 200.00 for a pair of rectangular tie-dyed pillowcases. The break-even sales volume is 236 units. The form of ownership of the proponents would be a corporation. Sleepwell Inc. is the corporate name. It is composed of ten members and has a capitalization of P 15,000. The general administrative program will serve as a guide on how the business will be conducted. The project timetable will guaranty that specific tasks are accomplished strictly within certain time limits so as to achieve efficiency in the operation of the business. The net profit margin of Sleepwell Inc. is 29.78% and the projected return on investment is 70.49%. The projected gross profit margin, on the other hand, is 30.31% and the total asset turnover is 2.37x. Sleepwell Inc. will not just be one of the new companies, but it will be a socially aware company. With its proper waste disposal system and utilization of scrap materials, it will be able to help both the environment and economy of the society. Throughout its operation, the welfare of its shareholders and stakeholders will always be given importance. It is, thus, feasible to manufacture pillows with tie-dyed pillowcases to the target market because it is profitable. Moreover, the existing demand for the product, as well as the market share for the proponents further substantiate this conclusion