Genetic implications of Th/U, Th/K, and U/K ratios for U mineralizations: A case study from El-Missikat and El-Erediya shear zones, Eastern Desert, Egypt.

The current work is an attempt to reveal the possible utilization of the radiometric measurements to build-up a complete genetic scenario for magmatic, hydrothermal, and supergene uranium mineralization. For this purpose, ground gamma-ray survey was performed through the exploratory tunnels dug perpendicular to El-Missikat and El-Erediya shear zones, the Central Eastern Desert of Egypt. Contents of U, Th, and K were measured for the host pink granite (e.g., avg.15.94 U ppm, 35.62 Th ppm, and 6.63% K), alteration zones (brecciation, silicification, greisenization, kaolinization and hematitization) (e.g., avg. 124.01 U ppm, 63.67 Th ppm, and 3.13% K), and mineralized silica veins (e.g., avg. 312.65 U ppm, 92.22 Th ppm, and 2.62% K). All of these data were graphically represented as correlation plots of Th vs. U, Th/U vs. U, Th vs. K, and U/K vs. Th/K. The overall results indicate magmatic, hydrothermal, and supergene sources of El-Missikat and El-Erediya U mineralization. The magma-derived U contents are enclosed mainly in the pink granite that is mostly characterized by normal Th/U (2.5-5) and Th/K ratios (3-5*10-4). The hydrothermal processes through the alteration zones and mineralized silica veins are reflected by the weak correlation of Th with U (e.g. r = 0.13 and - 0.39), the strong negative correlation of Th/U ratio with U (e.g. r = - 0.82), 2.5˃Th/U˃0.1, Th/K˃5*10-4, Th/K < 3*10-4, and the strong positive correlation of U/K with Th/K (e.g. r = 0.91) as well as the occurrence of thorite, columbite, xenotime and hydrothermal zircon (0.5 > Th/U ≤ 0.1). Afterwards, the hydrothermal mineralization underwent some degrees of chemical weathering that resulted in supergene U mineralization whose fingerprints can be traced by the occurrence of secondary U minerals (e.g. kasolite and uranophane), Th/U ratios ≤ 0.1, and the weak correlation between Th/K and U/K (e.g. r = 0.39 and - 0.11).

Stress Levels and Coping Strategies of Families of Adults With Intellectual Disability and Challenging Behaviours During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Qatar.

This study investigated the perceived stress levels and coping strategies of caregivers of adults with intellectual disability and challenging behaviours during the COVID-19 pandemic in Qatar. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from June 7 to September 7, 2020 for caregivers of adults diagnosed with intellectual disability and challenging behaviours. Perceived stress levels and coping strategies were assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale and Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced inventory. Results showed moderate to high perceived stress levels in most caregivers (69%). The most frequent coping strategy was religion, followed by acceptance and active coping. Substance use and self-blame were less frequently used. The study revealed that emotional support, informational support and venting coping strategies were significant predictors of perceived stress levels. Restrictions on physical activity and social mobility caused by pandemic-related lockdowns have placed tremendous pressure on caregivers. Appropriate supportive measures should be implemented for the caregivers.

Dandy-Walker malformation and intermittent explosive disorder: A case report.

Dandy-Walker malformation is a group of brain malformations that sometimes present with psychotic features, violent and impulsive behavior, or mood symptoms. Here, we present a case report of a patient with Dandy-Walker malformation who presented with intermittent explosive disorder. A young man, aged 18 years, was brought to the author's hospital [Hamad Medical Corporation] with anger outbursts, irritable mood, and violent behavior. His magnetic resonance imaging scans showed typical alterations of Dandy-Walker malformation. He also had mild intellectual disabilities and epilepsy. After a few weeks of treatment with sodium valproate 1000 mg/day and risperidone 2 mg/day, his condition improved, and his violent behavior was significantly reduced in 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year of follow-up. There is broad consensus that Dandy-Walker malformation is associated with psychosis and other behavioral abnormalities because of a possible disruption in the prefrontal, thalamic, and cerebellar circuits. The link between Dandy-Walker malformation and intermittent explosive disorder may help us understand this type of brain malformation as a potential psychiatric comorbidity.

Prevalence of gastric varices and portal hypertensive gastropathy in patients with Symmers periportal fibrosis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Symmers periportal fibrosis secondary to schistosomiasis is a common cause of portal hypertension worldwide. Data on the prevalence of gastric varices and portal hypertensive gastropathy in this group of patients with portal hypertension is relatively scarce. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of gastric varices and portal hypertensive gastropathy in patients presenting with portal hypertension secondary to Symmers periportal fibrosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a prospective study, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was carried out to determine the prevalence of gastric varices and portal hypertensive gastropathy in patients with portal hypertension secondary to Symmers periportal fibrosis. RESULTS: Of 143 patients studied, 24 patients (16.8%) had gastric varices (grade I in 10.5%, grade II in 6.3%) and 31 patients (21.7%) had portal hypertensive gastropathy (mild in 11.2%, severe in 10.5%). Gastric varices were more prevalent in patients with grade I and II esophageal varices and portal hypertensive gastropathy was more prevalent in those with grade III and IV esophageal varices, but the differences were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: We concluded that both gastric varices and portal hypertensive gastropathy seem to have a lower prevalence in patients with portal hypertension secondary to Symmers periportal fibrosis when compared to reported data in patients with portal hypertension secondary to liver cirrhosis and non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis.

Appropriate use and diagnostic yield of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in a tertiary referral hospital.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: This is a prospective, descriptive, hospital-based study to evaluate the appropriateness and diagnostic yield of upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract endoscopy referrals to Soba University Hospital endoscopy unit using the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy guidelines for appropriate use of endoscopy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients referred to Soba University Hospital for upper GI endoscopy during the study period were enrolled in the study after giving an informed consent. Statistical analysis was done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) program to calculate frequencies and the X(2) test; P value was taken as significant at a level of less than 0.05. RESULTS: Overall, 220 patients were prospectively enrolled in the study, of which 126 (57%) were males, with a mean age of 46.5 ± 17.9 years. A total of 190 patients (86%) were appropriately referred and the overall diagnostic yield was 46.8%. Those with appropriate referral had a higher diagnostic yield (50%) when compared to those with inappropriate referral (23%). CONCLUSION: The diagnostic yield of upper GI endoscopy was higher when patients were referred appropriately indicating that detection of relevant finding is greatly enhanced by the utilisation of standard guidelines.