Reagent optimization across a UG2 plant

Reagent optimization is very important in the recovery of valuable metals from their ore via flotation. This is particularly important for large platinum operations where correct reagent regime and addition system can provide improvement opportunities in recovery and grade. Also reagent optimization can reduce reagent costs for the rougher, scavenger and cleaner flotation units. Reagents were optimized in the flotation of hot floats from the plant at laboratory scale. It was found that in order to save cost, the collector and depressant must be reduced in the roughers and cleaners respectively. This report presents results and some practical considerations that must be taken into account to optimise reagent usage

A RARE CASE OF SPACE OCCUPYING LESION OF BRAINSTEM IN AN ELDERLY MALE PATIENT

An elderly male patient aged 65 presented to us with history of swaying towards left side of the body since 1 month with normal higher mental functions and neurological examination suggestive of cerebellar ataxia. MRI Brain plus contrast was suggestive of an irregular, ill-defined heterogeneous enhancing lesion with few necrotic areas within and few foci of blooming on FFE (Fast Field Echo imaging technique) with significant perilesional oedema involving right thalamus and brainstem showing Choline peak on MR Spectroscopy. Keywords: Neurological examination; Cerebellar ataxia; MRI brain; FFE

A RARE CASE OF SPACE OCCUPYING LESION OF BRAINSTEM IN AN ELDERLY MALE PATIENT

An elderly male patient aged 65 presented to us with history of swaying towards left side of the body since 1 month with normal higher mental functions and neurological examination suggestive of cerebellar ataxia. MRI Brain plus contrast was suggestive of an irregular, ill-defined heterogeneous enhancing lesion with few necrotic areas within and few foci of blooming on FFE (Fast Field Echo imaging technique) with significant perilesional oedema involving right thalamus and brainstem showing Choline peak on MR Spectroscopy. Keywords: Neurological examination; Cerebellar ataxia; MRI brain; FFE

Effect of pH on the recovery and grade of base metal sulphides (PGMs) by flotation

This study investigated the effect of pH on the recovery and grade of the Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) and base metal sulphides from the UG2 ore of the Bushveld Complex. This was achieved through running a series of test work in a Denver flotation cell at varying pH 6-11 at constant reagent dosage. The UG-2 reef is characterized by two predominant gangue phases i.e. chromite and silicate, that have significantly different physical and chemical properties. The test work was aimed at evaluating which pH gives best recoveries, and finding the effect of the chrome content in these recoveries. A pH of 9 gave the highest recovery compared to other pH ranges. However, the highest PGM grade was attained at a pH of 6 which is slightly acidic. Ideally this trend could be expected since the collectors (xanthates) are more stable in alkaline medium. The higher PGM recovery was also accompanied by higher chrome content as a result of their similar chemical properties

BARTTER\u27S SYNDROME

OBJECTIVE: Bartter\u27s syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by renal salt wasting, hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis. CASE REPORT: A 32 years old male patient presented to casualty with complaints of generalised weakness and chest pain of 15 days duration. Patient had pallor, with loss of buccal pad of fat, skin turgor was lost, and extremities were cold. PR-90bpm, feeble, BP-50/40mmHg. History of similar complaints 1 month back for which he was hospitalised for 15 days and was not completely relieved of symptoms. The differential diagnosis of metabolic alkalosis with hypokalemia without hypertension are; 1. Bartter\u27s syndrome, 2. Gitelman\u27s syndrome, 3. Surreptitious vomiting and 4. Diuretic abuse. CONCLUSION: Acquired Bartter\u27s and Gitelman\u27s like syndromes have been described with autoimmune disorders, sarcoidosis and various drugs. This patient could have a yet undetected or unknown mutation of a protein which has a structural or a functional role in renal tubular cells (of Loop of Henle). KEY WORDS: Bartter\u27s syndrome; Renal salt wasting; Hypokalemia; Metabolic alkalosis; Sarcoidosis

BARTTER'S SYNDROME

OBJECTIVE: Bartter's syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by renal salt wasting, hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis. CASE REPORT: A 32 years old male patient presented to casualty with complaints of generalised weakness and chest pain of 15 days duration. Patient had pallor, with loss of buccal pad of fat, skin turgor was lost, and extremities were cold. PR-90bpm, feeble, BP-50/40mmHg. History of similar complaints 1 month back for which he was hospitalised for 15 days and was not completely relieved of symptoms. The differential diagnosis of metabolic alkalosis with hypokalemia without hypertension are; 1. Bartter's syndrome, 2. Gitelman's syndrome, 3. Surreptitious vomiting and 4. Diuretic abuse. CONCLUSION: Acquired Bartter's and Gitelman's like syndromes have been described with autoimmune disorders, sarcoidosis and various drugs. This patient could have a yet undetected or unknown mutation of a protein which has a structural or a functional role in renal tubular cells (of Loop of Henle). KEY WORDS: Bartter's syndrome; Renal salt wasting; Hypokalemia; Metabolic alkalosis; Sarcoidosis

Genetic diversity within the genus Cynotilapia and its phylogenetic position among Lake Malawi’s mbuna cichlids

Cynotilapia’s unicuspid teeth, a unique character used to delineate it from all other mbuna genera, leaves evolutionary biologists wondering which is the closest relative to this genus among mbuna cichlids. This genus has only two described species out of the 10-13 species/taxa, whereby theundescribed taxa are either known by their colouration or place where they occur. AFLP genetic marker was used to determine the phylogenetic position of Cynotilapia among the mbuna and also the genetic diversity within this genus. Nei’s genetic distance, frequency of polymorphic loci and averageheterozygosity were used to unravel the genetic diversity. The neighbour-joining (NJ) dendrogram revealed that the genus Maylandia is the closest relative to Cynotilapia. Genetic distances were higher among all pairs of undescribed taxa than between the two species (Cynotilapia afra vs. C. axelrodi). Frequency of polymorphic loci and average heterozygosity were also higher within undescribed taxa than in two species. These results, coupled with already known phenotypic differences among thesetaxa (including colour, a crucial factor in speciation through sexual selection), do provide a strong base to taxonomists who can formally describe these taxa as species. The uncovered genetic differentiationis very important for conservation of this endemic fish fauna

A Study of Prescribing Habits of Low Molecular Weight Heparin in Cardiovascular Disease in Tertiary Care Hospital

Background and Objective: Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) are the leading non-communicable diseases and also leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Low Molecular Weight Heparin (LMWHs) is frequently prescribed medication in CVDs. Prescribing pattern of LMWHs in CVDs is necessary to recommends modifications to achieve rational and cost-effective medical care. Methodology: An inpatients hospital based observational prospective study for a period of six months was carried out. Data was collected from patient medication sheet and analyzed by suitable methods and standard references. Results and Discussion: In our study, a total of 120 patients were enrolled out of 120 patients 84 were male and 36 were female. Antiplatelet drug is maximum prescribing drug in 98 (81.34%) patients out of 120, then after hypolipidaemic drugs in 94 (78.02%), Anticoagulant in 92 (76.36%), Antibiotics in 90 (74.70%), Antianginal in 69 (57.27), Antihypertensive in 64 (53.12%), Diuretics in 59 (48.97%). LMWHs are prescribed in 78 (65%) in which Enoxaparin is prescribed in 67(55%) and Dalteparin in 11(10%) patients out of 120 patients. Total 259 Drug-Drug Interactions (DDI) were found in which 67 were Major, 140 were Moderate, and 52 were Minor. Conclusion: The study show LMWHs are highly prescribed category of anticoagulant. Enoxaparin is prescribed morethan Dalteparin. Antiplatelet drugs are prescribed to every patient who is prescribed with LMWHs to prevent embolic event. Chance of DDI is increases with these combinations. LMWHs and Fibrinolytic drugs are very costly and impart maximum economic burden to middle class family

Clinical, Laboratory and Etiological Profile of Community Acquired Pneumonia in Elderly

Background: Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) is third leading cause of death in older people worldwide. Apart from typical symptoms the elderly present with atypical symptoms. The diagnosis of pneumonia and its treatment poses a challenge for clinicians. Aim and Objectives: The study was undertaken to study clinical, radiological and bacterial profile of CAP in elderly (> 60 years). Material and Methods: The elderly patient population consisted of 63 patients admitted with the diagnosis of CAP, as defined by British Thoracic society, were included in this prospective observational study over 24 months. Results: Among 63 patients, males were 38(60%) and females 25(40%), predominantly between the age group 60-74 years. Diabetes mellitus 12(19%) and anaemia 12(19%) were common co-morbidities. Cough 62(98%) was predominant presenting symptom. Patients presenting with atypical symptoms were 19(30%). Staphylococcus aureus was commonly isolated organism in 20(32%) patients on sputum examination. Left lower zone was commonly involved in 29(47%) on chest radiogram. The commonest complication was acute kidney injury in 9(15%).The overall mortality was 13% in this study group. Conclusion: CAP in elderly is a serious problem in clinical practice. In view of atypical presentation and associated co-morbidities, there is a delay in diagnosis, treatment initiation which may result in to high mortality. Early recognition, health education and awareness regarding pneumococcal vaccination are necessary

Characterization of Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State (Nigeria) fireclays as suitable refractory materials

Studies have shown that adequate attention needs to be paid on processing of solid minerals that are potentially available in Nigeria to address its economic problem. Clays from five major towns in Baruten Local Government Area, Kwara State, Nigeria were examined using ASTM guidelines to determine their suitability for refractory applications. The clay samples were classified as Alumino-Silicate refractories due to high values of Al2O3 and SiO2. The results showed apparent porosity (19.4-25.6%), bulk density (1.83-1.90 g/cm3), cold crushing strength (38.7-56.1 N/mm2), linear shrinkage (4.4 – 9.3%), clay contents (52.71-67.83%), moisture content (17.0-23.6%), permeability (68-82 cmsec-1), plasticity (16.7-30.4%), refractoriness (>1300oC) and Thermal Shock Resistance (23-25 cycles) for the clay samples, which were measurable with the established standards for fireclays, refractory clays/brick lining or alumina-silicates and kaolin. Hence, the natural clays could suitably replace imported clays in some refractory applications. Appropriate use of information from this study would improve Nigeria’s industrialization and economic diversification.Keywords: Apparent Porosity, Bulk Density, Clay, Shrinkage and Refractor