Phase transformation sequence of pre-oxidized roast-leach ferrovanadium residue.

The depletion of the primary metal sources has prompted the exploration of alternative avenues for metal recovery. In the case of titanium and iron, the ferrovanadium residue produced through roast-leach processing of titanomagnetite presents a viable option for accessing these metals. Titanomagnetite resources, which contain valuable elements, such as iron, vanadium, and titanium, possess significant valuable potential. Titanomagnetite deposits are normally treated via smelting for vanadium or vanadium and iron recovery; titanium is not commercially recoverable. Titanomagnetites have recently been processed through the roast-leach method for vanadium primary production, and iron and titanium are typically part of the waste stream in this process. This study proposes a novel approach to determine the characteristic mineralogy and to study the phase transformation sequence of the roasted-leached ferrovanadium residue during the pre-oxidation process. Leaching was also done to evaluate the extraction potential of Fe, V and Ti on the pre-oxidized residue in comparison to the raw residue The roasted-leached ferrovanadium residue was sampled using the cone and quartering method and then, dried in an oven at temperatures of between 30 and 40 °C, for an hour after which, the remaining moisture content was determined. The bond milling method was employed to reduce the sample size, while the particle size distribution (PSD) was verified by using the standard laboratory Tyler series. Thereafter, the roasted-leached ferrovanadium residue was characterized with XRD, SEM, ICP-OES, and XRF. The samples were pre-oxidized at temperatures ranging from 300 °C to 1000 °C with an aim of improving the grades of iron, vanadium, and titanium-bearing minerals prior leaching. The results revealed the moisture content to be ∼5.07%. The bond work index of typical slags was estimated to be 10.2 kwh/t, with a determined d80 value of 200 µm. According to the XRF analysis, the predominant compounds present are hematite, Fe2O3 (75.55%), titanium dioxide, TiO2 (12.79%), silicon dioxide, SiO2 (3.03%), and alumina, Aℓ2O3 (2.62%), along with minor compounds. XRD patterns exhibited the presence of FeTiO3 and VO2 in the as-received samples, while pre-oxidation induced the evolution of new phases such as hematite, rutile, anatase, and pseudobrookite.

Nicotine dependence, socioeconomic status, lifestyle behaviours and lifetime quit attempts among adult smokers in South Africa.

BACKGROUND: Smoking cessation is a complex process influenced by factors such as smokers' nicotine dependence levels, socioeconomic status (SES) and other lifestyle behaviours. Little is known about these relationships in South Africa (SA). OBJECTIVES: To explore the relationship between nicotine dependence, SES, lifestyle behaviours and lifetime quit attempts among adult smokers in SA. METHODS: This study used data from 2 651 participants aged ≥16 years in the 2011 South African Social Attitudes Survey. Information on SES (measured by asset ownership), binge drinking, physical activity, fruit and vegetable intake, intention to quit smoking and lifetime quit attempts was extracted. Nicotine dependence was measured using the Heaviness of Smoking Index (HSI). All data were weighted to account for the complex survey design and to yield nationally representative estimates. Data analysis included binary logistic regression with high nicotine dependence (HND) defined as HSI ≥4 and lifetime quit attempts as separate outcomes. RESULTS: The prevalence of smoking was 20.1% (31.6% for males and 9.5% for females), and was highest in the mixed-ancestry group (37.0%). Overall, 14.5% of smokers had HND, with a higher proportion in the high-SES group. The odds of HND increased with every 10  years of smoking history (odds ratio (OR) 2.05; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.40 - 3.00) but decreased among participants who reported frequent physical activity (OR 0.4; 95% CI 0.18 - 0.86) and those who planned to quit (OR 0.37; 95% CI 0.19 - 0.75). Quit attempts were more likely among participants who reported frequent fruit and vegetable intake (OR 1.8; 95% CI 1.07 - 2.98) and less likely among those reporting binge drinking (OR 0.31; 95% CI 0.16 - 0.59) or assessed as having HND (OR 0.32; 95% CI 0.17 - 0.58). CONCLUSIONS: Most adult smokers in SA have low nicotine dependence. However, the association of HND with high SES in this study suggests that although cessation treatment based on an integrated lifestyle behavioural intervention package may suffice for most smokers, a more intense cessation treatment package is needed for smokers of higher SES.

Morinda lucida Aqueous Stem Bark Extract Ameliorates Hepato-Renal Dysfunctions in Experimental Diabetes Model.

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a leading pan-systemic endocrine disorder with attendant high morbidity and mortality owing to its deleterious effects on vital body organs caused by untreated chronic hyperglycemia, attendant oxidative stress and glycation processes. The present study is designed to investigate possible protective role and mechanism(s) of action 125-500 mg/kg/day of Morinda lucida aqueous stem bark extract (MLASE) on renal and hepatic functions in alloxan-induced hyperglycemic rats for 8 days. Forty-two alloxan-induced hyperglycemiic male Wistar rats were randomly allotted to Groups II-VI and orally treated with 10 ml/kg/day distilled water, 5 mg/kg/day glibenclamide, 125 mg/kg MLASE, 250 mg/kg MLASE, and 500 mg/kg/day MLASE, respectively. Group I normal rats served as untreated control and were orally treated with 10 ml/kg of distilled water, all under same sham-handling. Blood samples were taken for measurement of fasting blood glucose, renal and hepatic function profile. Liver and kidney tissue samples were taken for determination of the activities of oxidative stress markers such as malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT) and superoxidase dismutase (SOD). Results showed that intraperitoneal injection with 120 mg/kg of alloxan in cold 0.9% normal saline reliably and significantly induced a steadily sustained hyperglycemia which were ameliorated by short-term oral treatment with 125-500 mg/kg/day of MLASE, dose dependently, similar to that ameliorated by the standard antihyperglycemic drug, glibenclamide. Similarly, MLASE significantly mitigated against derangements in the measured renal and hepatic function parameters as well as oxidative stress induced by alloxan-induced hyperglycemia. In conclusion, results of this study showed the protective role of 125-500 mg/kg/day of MLASE in chronic hyperglycemia-associated renal and hepatic dysfunctions which was mediated via antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities of MLASE.

Phenotypic detection of extended Spectrum ß-Lactamase and Metallo-ß-Lactamase produced by Escherichia Coli on automated teller machines within Sokoto Metropolis, Nigeria

It is no longer a fallacy that environmental objects are grossly contaminated by pathogenic microbes. ATMs especially which is used on daily basis by thousands of people have been reported to be potential habitat for these microbes. The worst-case scenario is the presence and ease of spread of Muti-Drug Resistant (MDR) and Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase (ESBL) producing pathogens via these machines as a result of their huge patronage. The prevalence and fast spread of these MDR and ESBL producing strains constitute an emerging public health concern. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of ESBL and MBL producing E. coli isolated on ATMs within Sokoto metropolis. A total of 194 isolates were obtained from the culture samples of 100 ATM swabs. The isolated E. coli were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility tests using the modified Kirby Baeur disc diffusion method on six (6) commercial antimicrobial discs (Oxoid, UK): Ceftazidime (CTZ, 30µg), Cefotaxime (CTX, 30µg), Gentamycin (CN, 10µg), Augumentin(AMC, 30µg), Ciprofloxacin(CIP, 5µg) and Imipenem(IPM, 10µg). The isolates were further screened for ESBL production and phenotypic confirmatory test. Confirmation of MBL production was also performed using antibiotic discs containing two Carbapenems (Imipenem IPM, 10µg and Meropenem MEM, 10µg). The result was interpreted using CLSI guideline 2015. Proteus spp (43%) were the most frequently isolated bacteria, followed by Shigella spp (31%) and E. coli 31(16%). Drug Resistant (MDR) ESBL producing E. coli of 93.3% and 4% MBL producer was recorded. It can be concluded that MDR and ESBL producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) are the most prevalent species isolated and that the species isolated are more sensitive to Gentamycin, Ciprofloxacin and Imipenem

Prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of cardiovascular risk factors among patients with hypertension in South African primary care.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of cardiovascular risk factors among patients with hypertension at Johan Heyns Community Health Centre, Sedibeng district, South Africa. METHODS: A total of 328 participants were systematically sampled. A researcher-administered questionnaire collected information on: socio-demography, presence of diabetes, family history of hypercholesterolaemia, family history of fatal cardiovascular (CV) events, and engagement in physical activities. Other measurements included: blood pressure (BP), weight, height, abdominal circumference and electrocardiography (ECG). Data analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-squared test and regression analysis. Main outcome measures included the proportions of participants with each CV risk and their significant sociodemographic determinants. RESULTS: Participants' mean age was 57.7 years. Most participants were black (86.0%), female (79%) and pensioners (43.6%). The mean BP was 139/84 mmHg, and 60.7% had their BP controlled to targets. There was an average of 3.7 CV risk factors per participant and the prevalence of CV risk factors was: abdominal obesity (80.8%), physical inactivity (73.2%), diabetes (30.2%), alcohol use (28.0%), hypercholesterolaemia (26.5%), smoking (11.9%), past family history of fatal CV event (14.9%), and left ventricular hypertrophy (5.2%). Sociodemographic factors significantly associated with each CV risk factor were: obesity and being female (p = 0.00); alcohol use and young age (p = 0.00); smoking, being male and race other than black (p = 0.00 and p = 0.00, respectively); physical inactivity, being a pensioner and male (p = 0.02 and p = 0.02, respectively); diabetes and being male (p = 0.03); hypercholesterolaemia and race other than black (p = 0.03); family history of hypercholesterolaemia and race other than black (p = 0.00); and family history of fatal CV event and race other than black (p = 0.00). CONCLUSIONS: There is a high burden of CV risk factors among patients with hypertension in South African primary care, signifying a substantial risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in this setting. Interventions aimed at CVD risk reduction need to take cognisance of the sociodemographic correlates of CV risk factors.

Factors associated with blood pressure control among patients attending the outpatient clinic of a South African district hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with blood pressure (BP) control. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study involving 251 consecutively-sampled patients, a semi-structured questionnaire collected information on socio-demography, co-morbidities, hypertension treatments and BP control. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and logistic regression. RESULTS: Most participants were: on treatment for >5 years (60.6%); on three or more drugs (93.6%); treated according to guidelines (77%); and reported not missing medications in the last week (86.5%). BP control was achieved in only 31.5% and 16.7% of participants at the current and last visits, respectively. In multivariate regression analysis, a history of myocardial infarction (odd ratio [OR] = 0.41; P = 0.04) and being divorced/widowed (OR = 3.1; P = 0.01) predicted poor BP control. CONCLUSION: This study confirms the prevalent sub-optimal control of BP and suggests the need for further studies to examine the relationship between marital support, critical medical events and BP control.

Post traumatic stress disorder and resilience in veterans who served in the South African border war.

OBJECTIVE: The psychological impact of the South African border war on veterans has received little or no attention. This study determined the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and extent of resilience among a cohort of veterans. METHOD: Of 1527 former students who matriculated from a Johannesburg high school from 1975 to 1988, only 109 were reachable for convenience and snowballing recruitment into this study. An anonymous, internet-based questionnaire was used to obtain information on demography, combat exposure, drug and alcohol use, traumatic events in later life, and recourse to medication and counselling. The Impact of Event Scale - Revised (IES-R) assessed for PTSD and the Connor Davidson Resilience Scale (CDRISC) measured resilience. Data were processed with STATA; version 11 statistical software package. Analysis included Chi square test and regression analysis. RESULTS: The response rate was 49.5% (n=54). The prevalence of PTSD was 33% and significantly associated with combat exposure (p=.012). Despite high prevalence of PTSD in those exposed to combat, 94% showed normal to above-normal level of resilience. CD-RISC scores showed no association with the IES-R. Only current cannabis use was significantly linked with PTSD (p=.044). CONCLUSION: Although the prevalence of PTSD found in this sample was higher than in comparable international studies, this cohort of former SA national servicemen, showed high levels of resilience. The current use of cannabis within the context of prior exposure to military national service or combat should prompt clinicians to screen for the presence of PTSD-associated symptoms.

Postoperative analgesia following caesarean deliveries in a rural health district of South Africa.

The under-treatment of postoperative pain is prevalent worldwide. This cross-sectional study examined general practitioners' (GPs) knowledge and practices regarding postoperative analgesia in Caesarean deliveries. Postoperative analgesia was said to ensure that patients were pain-free (38.7%), achieved early mobilization (19.4%) and enabled early breast feeding (16%). Pethidine was the opioid of choice; normally prescribed eight hourly (69%) and was combined with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) by 48.6% of doctors and used solely by 51.6%. The prescription of analgesics was mainly influenced by drug availability (45.2%) and potency (19.4%). Most doctors (93.5%) had never attended a pain management course or used pain scores. Doctors at level 1 hospitals were less likely to use pethidine in combination with NSAID (odds ratio: 0.11; confidence interval: 0.02-0.59) compared to those in the specialized hospital. The GPs recognized the importance of postoperative analgesia, but their practices made patients vulnerable to pain after caesarean section.

Both L- and D-lactate contribute to metabolic acidosis in diarrheic calves.

Diarrhea in neonates is often complicated by metabolic acidosis. We used blood gas analysis and HPLC to determine whether bacterial fermentation might contribute to acidosis in diarrheic calves. Diarrheic calves (n = 21) had significantly lower pH, PCO(2), HCO(3)(-) and a higher anion gap than healthy calves (n = 21). Serum concentrations (mean +/- SD, mmol/L) of DL-, L- and D-lactate were also significantly higher in diarrheic (8.9 +/- 5.1, 4.1 +/- 3.4 and 5.2 +/- 5.7) than in healthy calves (1.7 +/- 1.2, 2.0 +/- 1.1 and too low to quantify). D- and L-lactate accounted for 64% anion gap increase in diarrheic calves. Fecal D- and L-lactate concentrations were also significantly higher in diarrheic calves (9.4 +/- 3.0 and 11.9 +/- 2.7 mmol/L) than healthy calves (1.1 +/- 0.1 and 1.6 +/- 0.1 mmol/L). The elevated concentrations of serum and fecal D-lactate suggest gut bacterial fermentation contributes to the development of acidosis in diarrhea.

High-performance liquid chromatographic assay of (+/-)-lactic acid and its enantiomers in calf serum.

Two high-performance liquid chromatographic methods are described for the determination of lactic acid and its enantiomers in calf serum. A 300x8.0 mm I.D. column packed with sulfonated styrene-divinylbenzene copolymer and a 50x4.6 mm ODS column with N,N-dioctyl-L-alanine were used. UV detection was at 205 and 236 nm for the non-chiral and chiral assays, respectively. Both assays demonstrated excellent linear relationships between peak area ratios and serum concentrations over a range of 0.5 to 20 mM, based on 100 microl bovine serum. Recovery was complete. Inter- and within-batch bias and relative standard deviation were <15%.