27 research outputs found

    Mineralogical and Chemical Characterization of Disseminated Low-Grade Sudanese Chromite ore in Gedarif State at Umm Saqta-Qala Elnahal

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    This study was carried out on the low-grade chromite, Gedarif state, Sudan, at Umm Saqata- Qala Elnahal to achieve full characterization for the ore via Microscopic studies for the polish section samples, X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), X-ray Fluorescence Analysis (XRF), Scanning electron microscopic with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), and physical properties tests. Microscopic study revealed that the liberation size of chromite mineral is in the range (0.30-0.05) mm. also the X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence and scanning electron microscope with the Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis showed that main gangue of the ore is mineral silicates as Antigorite and contains 21.58-19.60% Cr2O3. The physical tests (saturated density and dry density) demonstrated that ore has low density in range 2.54-2.38 g/cm3 because it is low grade chromite ore, this can be attributed to the dominating mineral silicate (waste) which associated with chromite mineral

    The Potential of Sudanese Refractory Gold Ores Characterization and Pre-Treatment in Ariab Mines (vms) in Red Sea (sudan)

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    This laboratory work demonstrates the ability to characterize and pretreat Sudanese refractory gold ores at Ariab mines to extract the gold with optimal parameters. Characterization studies were performed by AAS, XRF and XRD analysis to assess the abundance of elements and mineral phases. In addition, the acidity of the ore was examined to estimate the effective amount of lime. The ore was subjected directly to cyanidation without any pre-treatment. High oxidation reagent processes were carried out to pre-treat the ore. Chemical analysis results show the gold grade to be 1.37 g/t. In addition, the ore contained 51.78% Fe2O3, 43.40% SO3, 2.39% CuO, 1.47% SiO2, 0.35% Cr2O3, 0.17% CaO, 0.08% As2O3, 0.06% ZnO and 0.06% MnO. The XRD result shows that the ore phases are Pyrite (FeS2), Chatkaite (Cu6Fe+2Sn2S2) and Quartz (SiO2). The investigations of direct cyanidation elucidated that the ore can consume a high amount of cyanide with unsatisfactory recoveries for gold (Exgold ; LE;39.41%). The influence of the cyanide concentration, pulp density (% by weight), leaching time hr, agitator speed and pH were examined in direct cyanidation experiments. In pre-treatment experiments, the effect of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and concentrations on gold recovery was studied. The pre-treatment of the ore with H2O2 achieved a good impact on the gold extraction performance. The higher gold extraction was obtained at hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) 300 ppm, cyanide concentration 3500 ppm, leaching time 10 hr, pH=10.5 and pulp density 40%

    Interleukin 6 (IL6) as a potential interplaying factor between obesity and COVID-19 outcome

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    Background: Obesity is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation and severe COVID-19. Interleukin 6 (IL6) is a key mediator of cytokine storm hyperinflammation. However, it is unknown if IL6 is involved in the link between obesity and COVID-19 outcomes. Methods: Observational retrospective research was conducted between September 8, 2020, and September 30, 2021. BMI-varying COVID-19 patient data were collected. Demographic, clinical, radiographic, and laboratory variables were assessed. COVID-19 outcomes were examined in relation to body mass index () and IL6 levels. Results: More than half of the participants (60.4 %) were elderly individuals. A quarter of the study population was non-obese, and 6.6 % had 3rd-degree obesity. Individuals with normal weight and class I obesity had higher IL-6 levels (70.1 % and 75.6 %, respectively). Severe cases were more likely to have higher IL-6 levels than non-severe cases (p < 0.05, OR = 7.221). However, we did not find a significant association between BMI and odds of mortality (p = 0.05). Conclusion: People with severe COVID-19 illness, class 1 obesity, and those requiring intensive care unit admission had considerably higher levels of IL6, however our study found no association between BMI categories and mortality. Further research is required to investigate the interplay between obesity and COVID-19 outcomes

    Impact of aerobic and resistance training on fatigue, quality of life, and physical activity in prostate cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

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    BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer (PCa) is a prevalent cancer with significant morbidity and mortality rates. In most cases, prostate cancer remains asymptomatic until advanced disease manifests with symptoms, such as benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). Timely detection and better management have improved overall survival in patients with prostate cancer, and fatigue, reduced physical activity, and impaired quality of life (QoL) remain major challenges that impact daily life. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to systematically review and conduct a meta-analysis to evaluate the impact of aerobic and resistance training on fatigue, quality of life, and physical activity in prostate cancer patients undergoing treatment. MATERIAL METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and clinicaltrials.gov databases, adhering to the PRISMA guidelines. Twenty studies, involving 1393 participants, were included in the final analysis. The inclusion criteria were Studies that evaluated the effects of exercise interventions relative to passive controls in patients with prostate cancer were included. The primary outcomes of interest were fatigue, QoL, and PA.. Data from eligible studies were extracted, and a meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.40. RESULTS: Twenty studies met our inclusion criteria. Data Analysis of the included studies demonstrated a significant improvement in quality of life among prostate cancer patients in the exercise group compared to the control group (SMD=0.20, 95% CI=0.07 to 0.34, P=0.003). However, there was no significant association between exercise and fatigue (SMD=0.07, 95% CI=-0.13, 0.26, P=0.51). Sensitivity analysis did not alter these findings. Regarding physical activity outcomes, the control group exhibited superior performance in the 400-meter walk test (P\u3c0.05). No significant associations were found between exercise and the 6-meter walk test or up-and-go time. CONCLUSION: This systematic review revealed that aerobic and resistance training enhance the quality of life of patients with prostate cancer, although it has a limited impact on fatigue and physical activity levels. These findings advocate a shift in clinical practice and positioning exercise as a core component of comprehensive cancer care. Tailoring exercise regimens according to individual patient needs and treatment stages should become the norm in treatment planning. This approach goes beyond physical wellness and addresses the psychological and emotional facets of cancer management. Moreover, there is an evident need for further research to develop holistic exercise interventions that effectively address the complex dynamics of fatigue, physical activity, and QoL in this patient group

    Evaluating gene expression patterns for NF-κB1, TNF, and VEGF A& VEGF B in a mouse model of SARS-CoV-2 infection

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    Introduction: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has encouraged extensive research into its pathophysiology, specifically the role of biomarkers in disease progression. Although TNF, NF-κB1, VEGF-A, and VEGF-B play fundamental roles in vascular development and the infection response, their precise involvement in COVID-19 remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate and synthesize TNF, NF-κB1, VEGF-A, and VEGF-B gene expression patterns in a mouse model of SARS-CoV-2 infection to understand their involvement in disease pathogenesis. Methods: Gene datasets available on the open-source Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) platform were extracted from eleven specific datasets: GSE68220, GSE51387, GSE49262, GSE51386, GSE50000, GSE40824, GSE33266, GSE50878, GSE40840, GSE49263, and GSE40827. We used R 4.3.2 software in this analysis. Results: A Substantial changes in the expression of VEGFA, VEGFB, TNF-, and NF-κB1 were observed. Upregulation of TNF- and NF-κB1 implies a strong inflammatory response, consistent with their established involvement in inflammation. Conversely, VEGFA and VEGFB showed a pattern of downregulation, suggesting alterations in the vascular and endothelial functions. Conclusion: Substantial changes in TNF, NF-κB1, VEGFA, and VEGFB gene expression were observed During SARS-CoV infection, indicating their interconnected roles in disease pathogenesis. These findings improve our understanding of the molecular basis of COVID-19 vascular complications and will guide future research and therapies

    Exploring the cost-effectiveness of high versus low perioperative fraction of inspired oxygen in the prevention of surgical site infections among abdominal surgery patients in three low- and middle-income countries

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    Background: This study assessed the potential cost-effectiveness of high (80–100%) vs low (21–35%) fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) at preventing surgical site infections (SSIs) after abdominal surgery in Nigeria, India, and South Africa. Methods: Decision-analytic models were constructed using best available evidence sourced from unbundled data of an ongoing pilot trial assessing the effectiveness of high FiO2, published literature, and a cost survey in Nigeria, India, and South Africa. Effectiveness was measured as percentage of SSIs at 30 days after surgery, a healthcare perspective was adopted, and costs were reported in US dollars ().Results:HighFiO2maybecosteffective(cheaperandeffective).InNigeria,theaveragecostforhighFiO2was). Results: High FiO2 may be cost-effective (cheaper and effective). In Nigeria, the average cost for high FiO2 was 216 compared with 222forlowFiO2leadingtoa222 for low FiO2 leading to a −6 (95% confidence interval [CI]: −13to13 to −1) difference in costs. In India, the average cost for high FiO2 was 184comparedwith184 compared with 195 for low FiO2 leading to a −11(9511 (95% CI: −15 to −6)differenceincosts.InSouthAfrica,theaveragecostforhighFiO2was6) difference in costs. In South Africa, the average cost for high FiO2 was 1164 compared with 1257forlowFiO2leadingtoa1257 for low FiO2 leading to a −93 (95% CI: −132to132 to −65) difference in costs. The high FiO2 arm had few SSIs, 7.33% compared with 8.38% for low FiO2, leading to a −1.05 (95% CI: −1.14 to −0.90) percentage point reduction in SSIs. Conclusion: High FiO2 could be cost-effective at preventing SSIs in the three countries but further data from large clinical trials are required to confirm this. © 2023 The Author

    Synthesis, Physicochemical Characterization using a Facile Validated HPLC Quantitation Analysis Method of 4-Chloro-phenylcarbamoyl-methyl Ciprofloxacin and Its Biological Investigations

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    A novel derivative of ciprofloxacin (Cpx) was synthesized and characterized using various analytical techniques, including FT-IR spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy, TEM and SEM analysis, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and HPLC analysis. The newly prepared Cpx derivative (Cpx-Drv) exhibited significantly enhanced antibacterial properties compared to Cpx itself. In particular, Cpx-Drv demonstrated a 51% increase in antibacterial activity against S. aureus and a 30% improvement against B. subtilis. It displayed potent inhibitory effects on topoisomerases II (DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV) as potential molecular targets, with IC50 values of 6.754 and 1.913 &micro;g/mL, respectively, in contrast to Cpx, which had IC50 values of 2.125 and 0.821 &micro;g/mL, respectively. Docking studies further supported these findings, showing that Cpx-Drv exhibited stronger binding interactions with the gyrase enzyme (PDB ID: 2XCT) compared to the parent Cpx, with binding affinities of &minus;10.3349 and &minus;7.7506 kcal/mole, respectively

    Use of Telemedicine for Post-discharge Assessment of the Surgical Wound: International Cohort Study, and Systematic Review with Meta-analysis

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    Objective: This study aimed to determine whether remote wound reviews using telemedicine can be safely upscaled, and if standardised assessment tools are needed. Summary background data: Surgical site infection is the most common complication of surgery worldwide, and frequently occurs after hospital discharge. Evidence to support implementation of telemedicine during postoperative recovery will be an essential component of pandemic recovery. Methods: The primary outcome of this study was surgical site infection reported up to 30-days after surgery (SSI), comparing rates reported using telemedicine (telephone and/or video assessment) to those with in-person review. The first part of this study analysed primary data from an international cohort study of adult patients undergoing abdominal surgery who were discharged from hospital before 30-days after surgery. The second part combined this data with the results of a systematic review to perform a meta-analysis of all available data conducted in accordance with PRIMSA guidelines (PROSPERO:192596). Results: The cohort study included 15,358 patients from 66 countries (8069 high, 4448 middle, 1744 low income). Of these, 6907 (45.0%) were followed up using telemedicine. The SSI rate reported using telemedicine was slightly lower than with in-person follow-up (13.4% vs. 11.1%, P&lt;0.001), which persisted after risk adjustment in a mixed-effects model (adjusted odds ratio: 0.73, 95% confidence interval 0.63-0.84, P&lt;0.001). This association was consistent across sensitivity and subgroup analyses, including a propensity-score matched model. In nine eligible non-randomised studies identified, a pooled mean of 64% of patients underwent telemedicine follow-up. Upon meta-analysis, the SSI rate reported was lower with telemedicine (odds ratio: 0.67, 0.47-0.94) than in-person (reference) follow-up (I2=0.45, P=0.12), although there a high risk of bias in included studies. Conclusions: Use of telemedicine to assess the surgical wound post-discharge is feasible, but risks underreporting of SSI. Standardised tools for remote assessment of SSI must be evaluated and adopted as telemedicine is upscaled globally

    Effects of hospital facilities on patient outcomes after cancer surgery: an international, prospective, observational study

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    © 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an Open Access article under the CC BY 4.0 licenseBackground: Early death after cancer surgery is higher in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) compared with in high-income countries, yet the impact of facility characteristics on early postoperative outcomes is unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the association between hospital infrastructure, resource availability, and processes on early outcomes after cancer surgery worldwide. Methods: A multimethods analysis was performed as part of the GlobalSurg 3 study—a multicentre, international, prospective cohort study of patients who had surgery for breast, colorectal, or gastric cancer. The primary outcomes were 30-day mortality and 30-day major complication rates. Potentially beneficial hospital facilities were identified by variable selection to select those associated with 30-day mortality. Adjusted outcomes were determined using generalised estimating equations to account for patient characteristics and country-income group, with population stratification by hospital. Findings: Between April 1, 2018, and April 23, 2019, facility-level data were collected for 9685 patients across 238 hospitals in 66 countries (91 hospitals in 20 high-income countries; 57 hospitals in 19 upper-middle-income countries; and 90 hospitals in 27 low-income to lower-middle-income countries). The availability of five hospital facilities was inversely associated with mortality: ultrasound, CT scanner, critical care unit, opioid analgesia, and oncologist. After adjustment for case-mix and country income group, hospitals with three or fewer of these facilities (62 hospitals, 1294 patients) had higher mortality compared with those with four or five (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 3·85 [95% CI 2·58–5·75]; p<0·0001), with excess mortality predominantly explained by a limited capacity to rescue following the development of major complications (63·0% vs 82·7%; OR 0·35 [0·23–0·53]; p<0·0001). Across LMICs, improvements in hospital facilities would prevent one to three deaths for every 100 patients undergoing surgery for cancer. Interpretation: Hospitals with higher levels of infrastructure and resources have better outcomes after cancer surgery, independent of country income. Without urgent strengthening of hospital infrastructure and resources, the reductions in cancer-associated mortality associated with improved access will not be realised. Funding: National Institute for Health and Care Research
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