Hepatitis C: Part I. Routine serologic testing and diagnosis

Hepatitis C, which is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV), is a major public health problem in the United States. HCV is most efficiently transmitted through large or repeated percutaneous exposures to blood. Most patients with acute HCV infection develop persistent infection, and 70 percent of patients develop chronic hepatitis. HCV-associated chronic liver disease results in 8,000 to 10,000 deaths per year, and the annual costs of acute and chronic hepatitis C exceed $600 million. An estimated 3.9 million Americans are currently infected with HCV, but most of these persons are asymptomatic and do not know they are infected. To identify them, primary health care professionals should obtain a history of high-risk practices associated with the transmission of HCV and other bloodborne pathogens from all patients. Routine testing is currently recommended only in patients who are most likely to be infected with HCV.     

Synthesis of MFI films on α-alumina at neutral pH

Oriented films of MFI were prepared on α-alumina substrates by a method including substrate seeding and subsequent growth of the seeds in a synthesis gel containing fluoride as mineralizing agent. The films were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The preparation procedure presented here is promising for the synthesis of highly siliceous MFI films on alumina substrates.