Global prevalence and genotype distribution of hepatitis C virus infection in 2015 : A modelling study

Publisher Copyright: © 2017 Elsevier LtdBackground The 69th World Health Assembly approved the Global Health Sector Strategy to eliminate hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection by 2030, which can become a reality with the recent launch of direct acting antiviral therapies. Reliable disease burden estimates are required for national strategies. This analysis estimates the global prevalence of viraemic HCV at the end of 2015, an update of—and expansion on—the 2014 analysis, which reported 80 million (95% CI 64–103) viraemic infections in 2013. Methods We developed country-level disease burden models following a systematic review of HCV prevalence (number of studies, n=6754) and genotype (n=11 342) studies published after 2013. A Delphi process was used to gain country expert consensus and validate inputs. Published estimates alone were used for countries where expert panel meetings could not be scheduled. Global prevalence was estimated using regional averages for countries without data. Findings Models were built for 100 countries, 59 of which were approved by country experts, with the remaining 41 estimated using published data alone. The remaining countries had insufficient data to create a model. The global prevalence of viraemic HCV is estimated to be 1·0% (95% uncertainty interval 0·8–1·1) in 2015, corresponding to 71·1 million (62·5–79·4) viraemic infections. Genotypes 1 and 3 were the most common cause of infections (44% and 25%, respectively). Interpretation The global estimate of viraemic infections is lower than previous estimates, largely due to more recent (lower) prevalence estimates in Africa. Additionally, increased mortality due to liver-related causes and an ageing population may have contributed to a reduction in infections. Funding John C Martin Foundation.publishersversionPeer reviewe

Production of precipitated calcium carbonate particles from gypsum waste using venturi tubes as a carbonation zone

In this study, we investigated the production of precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) particles from desulfurization gypsum (DG) waste using a new experimental apparatus that is divided into two main parts: carbonation and stabilization zones. The solution was circulated via a pump from the stabilization zone to the carbonation zone where different types of Venturi tube were used for the reaction of CO 2 with solution to produce PCC particles. The effects of CO 2 flow rate, circulation rate, and Venturi types on the properties of the produced PCC particles were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and particle size analyses. The conductivity and pH values of the solution were monitored during the carbonation. In addition, the reactivity of selected PCC was determined to evaluate its use as a sorbent in a desulfurization unit. The experimental results indicate that the Venturi tube had a strong effect on the reaction time and properties of PCC particles. The use of a Venturi tube resulted in a decrease in the time required for producing PCC particles, which were smooth, well-crystallized, and nano-sized cubic crystals. However, when no Venturi tube was used, hollow spherical crystals formed along with cubic crystals. It was found that the reactivity of selected PCC particles produced using Venturi tube was rather higher (52 × 10 -4 min -1 ), indicating that the PCC can be used as a sorbent in the desulfurization unit. © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved..Çukurova Üniversitesi: FBA-2017-7912This study was supported by Çukurova University [Project ID: FBA-2017-7912]. Appendix

Risk factors for the transmission of hepatitis C virus infection in the Turkish population

The risk factors for the transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection varies substantially between countries and geographic regions. The aim of this investigation was to determine the risk factors which may be involved in the transmission of HCV infection in the Turkish population. This Study included patients who were admitted to the Department of Gastroenterohepatology, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, between 1996 and 2002 and found to be anti-HCV positive during hospitalization or during follow-up as outpatients. All patients were asked about risk factors for HCV transmission including transfusion, history of operation, hospitalization, hemodialysis, intravenous drug use, suspected sexual contact, tattooing, acupuncture. dental procedures. manicure and pedicure, blood brotherhood rituals, perinatal risk factors, common circumcision rituals, and history of abortion. In our study, total of 320 patients with anti-HCV seropositivity were involved. The numbers and percentages of male and female patients were 139 (43.4%) and 181 (56.6%), respectively. The mean age of the patients was 49.7 +/- 12.4 years (range: 18-73 years). HCV-RNA was found to be positive in 297 (92.8%) patients. The most common risk factor was a history of surgery (305: 98%), and the second most common was blood transfusion (123; 39.7%). The numbers and percentages of patients for the other risk factors were as follows: dental procedure, 86 (27.5%); abortion, 66 (21.2%); long-term hospitalization, 37 (11.6%); hemodialysis, 31 (10%); history of jaundice, 15 (4.6%); history ofintravenous drug abuse, 10 (3.1%), history of suspected Sexual contact, 5 (1.5%); history of manicure and pedicure, 4 (1.2%); history of occupational transmission, 3 (0.9%); history of tattooing, 2 (0.6%); history of acupuncture, 2 (0.6%); circumcision in a common circumcision ritual, 1 (0.3%); and percutaneous needle puncture. 1 (0.3%). None of the patients had a history of blood brotherhood ritual or perinatal transmission. Only one risk factor was detected in 73 (22.8%) patients, two risk factors were detected in 122 (38.2%) patients, three risk factors were detected in 78 (24.5%) patients, and four risk factors were detected in 39 (12.2%) patients, however. in 8 (1.6%) patients no risk factors could be found. In Turkey, the most common risk factor for the transmission of HCV infection is surgery, which call be preventable