Mineral Deposits Research Articles

Correction to: Tracing the Eh–pH evolution of Cu–Pb–As–Zn supergene mineralization using detailed petrography in the Cap Garonne mineral deposit (Provence, France)

Correction to: Tracing the Eh–pH evolution of Cu–Pb–As–Zn supergene mineralization using detailed petrography in the Cap Garonne mineral deposit (Provence, France)

PCL/β-TCP composite scaffolds with advanced geometries promote hMSCs osteogenic differentiation.

Critical-sized mandibular bone defects, arising from e.g. resections after tumor surgeries, are currently treated with autogenous bone grafts. This treatment is considered very invasive and is associated with limitations such as morbidity, and graft resorption. Tissue engineering approaches propose to use 3D scaffolds that combine structural features, biomaterial properties, cells and biomolecules to create biomimetic constructs. However, mimicking the complex anatomy and composition of the mandible poses a challenge in scaffold design. In our study, we evaluated the dual effect of complex pore geometry and material composition on the osteogenic potential of 3D printed scaffolds. The scaffolds were made of polycaprolactone (PCL) alone (TCP0), or with a high concentration of β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) up to 40% w/w (TCP40), with two complex pore geometries, namely a star- (S) and a diamond-like (D) shape. SEM and micro-CT images confirmed high fidelity during the printing process. The D-scaffolds displayed higher compressive moduli than the corresponding S-scaffolds. TCP40 scaffolds in simulated body fluid showed deposition of minerals on the surface after 28 days. Subsequently, we assessed the differentiation of seeded bone marrow-derived human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) over 28 days. The early expression of RUNX2 in the cell nuclei confirmed the commitment towards an osteogenic phenotype. Moreover, ALP activity and collagen deposition displayed an increasing trend in the D-scaffolds. Collagen type I was mainly present in the deposited ECM, confirming deposition of bone matrix. Lastly, Alizarin Red staining showed successful mineralization on all the TCP40 samples, with higher values for the S-shaped scaffolds. Taken together, our study demonstrated that the complex pore architectures of scaffolds comprised TCP40 stimulated osteogenic differentiation and mineralization of hMSCs in vitro. Future research will aim to validate these findings in vivo.

Joint stochastic optimisation of stope layout, production scheduling and access network

The three main optimisation components of sublevel stoping methods are stope layout, production schedule (or stope sequencing) and access networks. The joint optimisation of these components could further add value to an underground mining project. This potential has not been considered in the literature due to computational difficulties, and the problem was solved sequentially. This paper proposes a new joint optimisation model to integrate these components. In addition, the proposed optimisation model incorporates stochastic simulations to capture uncertainty and variability associated with the grades of the related mineral deposits mined. The optimisation model is based on a two-stage stochastic integer programming (SIP) formulation that maximises the project's net present value (NPV) and minimises the planned dilution. Applying the proposed method at a small copper deposit shows that the SIP outperforms the results obtained from mixed integer programming. For a seven-year mine life, the SIP model generated ∼20% more NPV, demonstrating the importance of developing a joint optimisation formulation and accounting for grade uncertainty and variability.

Defining the Most Potent Osteoinductive Culture Conditions for MC3T3-E1 Cells Reveals No Implication of Oxidative Stress or Energy Metabolism

The MC3T3-E1 preosteoblastic cell line is widely utilised as a reliable in vitro system to assess bone formation. However, the experimental growth conditions for these cells hugely diverge, and, particularly, the osteogenic medium (OSM)’s composition varies in research studies. Therefore, we aimed to define the ideal culture conditions for MC3T3-E1 subclone 4 cells with regard to their mineralization capacity and explore if oxidative stress or the cellular metabolism processes are implicated. Cells were treated with nine different combinations of long-lasting ascorbate (Asc) and β-glycerophosphate (βGP), and osteogenesis/calcification was evaluated at three different time-points by qPCR, Western blotting, and bone nodule staining. Key molecules of the oxidative and metabolic pathways were also assessed. It was found that sufficient mineral deposition was achieved only in the 150 μg.mL−1/2 mM Asc/βGP combination on day 21 in OSM, and this was supported by Runx2, Alpl, Bglap, and Col1a1 expression level increases. NOX2 and SOD2 as well as PGC1α and Tfam were also monitored as indicators of redox and metabolic processes, respectively, where no differences were observed. Elevation in OCN protein levels and ALP activity showed that mineralisation comes as a result of these differences. This work defines the most appropriate culture conditions for MC3T3-E1 cells and could be used by other research laboratories in this field.

Protecting Orthopaedic Implants from Infection: Antimicrobial Peptide Mel4 Is Non-Toxic to Bone Cells and Reduces Bacterial Colonisation When Bound to Plasma Ion-Implanted 3D-Printed PAEK Polymers

Even with the best infection control protocols in place, the risk of a hospital-acquired infection of the surface of an implanted device remains significant. A bacterial biofilm can form and has the potential to escape the host immune system and develop resistance to conventional antibiotics, ultimately causing the implant to fail, seriously impacting patient well-being. Here, we demonstrate a 4 log reduction in the infection rate by the common pathogen S. aureus of 3D-printed polyaryl ether ketone (PAEK) polymeric surfaces by covalently binding the antimicrobial peptide Mel4 to the surface using plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII) treatment. The surfaces with added texture created by 3D-printed processes such as fused deposition-modelled polyether ether ketone (PEEK) and selective laser-sintered polyether ketone (PEK) can be equally well protected as conventionally manufactured materials. Unbound Mel4 in solution at relevant concentrations is non-cytotoxic to osteoblastic cell line Saos-2. Mel4 in combination with PIII aids Saos-2 cells to attach to the surface, increasing the adhesion by 88% compared to untreated materials without Mel4. A reduction in mineralisation on the Mel4-containing surfaces relative to surfaces without peptide was found, attributed to the acellular portion of mineral deposition.

Classifying rock types by geostatistics and random forests in tandem

Abstract Rock type classification is crucial for evaluating mineral resources in ore deposits and for rock mechanics. Mineral deposits are formed by a variety of rock bodies and rock types. However, the rock type identification in drill core samples is often complicated by overprinting and weathering processes. An approach to classifying rock types from drill core data relies on whole-rock geochemical assays as features. There are few studies on rock type classification from a limited number of features comprising metal grades and dry bulk density. The novelty in our approach is the introduction of two sets of feature variables (proxies) at sampled data points, generated by geostatistical leave-one-out cross-validation and by kriging for removing short-scale spatial variation of the measured features. We applied our proposal to a dataset from a porphyry Cu-Au deposit in Mongolia. The model performances on a testing data subset indicate that, when the training dataset is not large, the performance of the classifier (a random forest) substantially improves by incorporating the proxy features as a complement to the original measured features. At each training data point, these proxy features throw light based on the underlying spatial data correlation structure, scales of variations, sampling design, and values of features observed at neighboring points, and show the benefits of combining geostatistics with machine learning.

Correlation between induced polarization and sulfide content of rock samples obtained from seafloor hydrothermal mounds in the Okinawa Trough, Japan

AbstractThe physical properties of seafloor massive sulfides are crucial for interpreting sub-seafloor images from geophysical surveys, shedding light on the evolution of seafloor mineral deposits. While some studies have explored the relationship between electrical properties and the volume of conductive minerals in rocks from seafloor massive sulfide deposits, they primarily focused on artificial samples, leaving the characteristics of natural samples less understood. Moreover, there has been no comprehensive study detailing the general characteristics of electrical properties, particularly chargeability and relaxation time, in relation to the volumetric fraction of sulfides in rocks from massive sulfide mounds in typical hydrothermal areas. In this study, we employed complex conductivity measurements, elemental concentration analysis, and mineral content identification on to rock samples from the active hydrothermal zones of the Okinawa Trough in Japan. The complex conductivity observed was remarkably high, with a pronounced imaginary component and a broad frequency range. This is attributed to induced polarization extending beyond our measurement range. The rock samples were rich in conductive sulfide minerals such as pyrite, chalcopyrite, and galena. Using the Cole–Cole rock physics model, we established a correlation between rock chargeability and relaxation time coefficient with the volume fraction of conductive sulfide minerals, which deviated from previous findings. The intensity of induced polarization was notably higher than anticipated in earlier studies using artificial samples. Furthermore, we observed a distinct positive correlation between the coefficient of relaxation time and the increase in sulfide volume, likely due to the geometric characteristics of the sulfide minerals. Our findings suggest that rocks in massive sulfide mounds may generally construct sulfide clusters that lengthen the conductive path of the electrical carrier. Graphical Abstract

Tracing the Eh–pH evolution of Cu–Pb–As–Zn supergene mineralization using detailed petrography in the Cap Garonne mineral deposit (Provence, France)

Tracing the Eh–pH evolution of Cu–Pb–As–Zn supergene mineralization using detailed petrography in the Cap Garonne mineral deposit (Provence, France)

467 Enhancing Cell Infiltration and Controlled Growth Factor Release for a Customized 3D-Printed Bone Graft Composite

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Annually, 1.5 million global patients receive maxillofacial reconstruction. The gold standard, involving bone particulate, lacks reproducibility. To improve this, we have developed a custom 3D-printable, porous cover-core design. This study optimizes the hydrogel core properties and growth factor (GF) release for enhanced bone regeneration. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Different ratios of Methacrylated Gelatin (GelMa), Methacrylated Alginate (AlgMa) and tricalcium phosphate (α²-TCP) were combined to optimize cell viability, GF sequestration and mechanical stability. Material characterization was performed using a rheometer to determine the viscoelastic properties of the blends. Release from disks loaded with FGF-containing PLGA microparticles was quantified with an ELISA kit. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was conducted to quantify hydrogel porosity. In vitro studies were performed using NIH 3T3 murine fibroblasts in Corning Transwells while immunofluorescent, metabolic and osteogenic studies were performed in 96 well plates to investigate cell infiltration, cell adhesion, viability and differentiation, respectively. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: By adjusting the AlgGelMa ratio, we manipulated matrix properties. GelMa possesses excellent durability and cell adhesion due to intrinsic RGD-binding motifs. AlgMa enhanced swelling by 30%, growth factor sequestration by 50% in 24hrs, and matrix storage modulus without increasing the loss modulus which could cause cell migration away from the hydrogel. Varying the AlgGelMa ratio lowered pH, promoted cell infiltration, and reduced fibronectin accumulation. The addition of β-TCP is anticipated to improve cell differentiation towards an osteogenic lineage due to improved elastic modulus, calcium and phosphate ion concentration improving mineral deposition. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: These findings suggest through the use of this composite, early cell infiltration can be increased and promoted due to FGF release, leading to increased osteointegration. Our porous cover-core design ensures efficient clot integration and early cell infiltration, enhancing osteointegration through FGF release.

Unique Multicomponent Fe, Mn, Ti, V Mineralization in Laterite Profiles of Weathered Carbonatites: New Prospects

Abstract —Data from the Chuktukon, Tomtor (Russia), and Morro dos Seis Lagos (Brazil) mineral deposits demonstrate that the mineral potential of laterite produced by weathering of carbonatites can be extended with Fe, Mn, Ti, and V, which are commonly beyond the conventional ore production. Several previously unknown factors have been revealed, which control the mineral potential of laterite: reduction of weathering products, composition and ore contents of carbonatite, lateral and vertical migration of elements, as well as liquid fractionation of colloids in upper zones of weathering profiles. The reported study provides additional arguments for the idea that laterite derived from carbonatites stores unique multicomponent mineralization of heavy lanthanides, Y, Sc, Fe, Mn, Ti, V, Sr, Ba, Al, and Ga, besides the common target commodities of Nb, La, Ce, and P.

Interpreting Mineral Deposit Genesis Classification with Decision Maps: A Case Study Using Pyrite Trace Elements

Abstract Machine learning improves geochemistry discriminant diagrams in classifying mineral deposit genetic types. However, the increasingly recognized ‘black box’ property of machine learning has been hampering the transparency of complex data analysis, leading to the challenge in deep geochemical interpretation. To address the issue, we revisited pyrite trace elements and propose to use ‘Decision Map’, a cutting-edge visualization technique for machine learning. This technique reveals mineral deposit classifications by visualizing the ‘decision boundaries’ of high-dimensional data, a concept crucial for model interpretation, active learning, and domain adaptation. In the context of geochemical data classification, it enables geologists to understand the relationship between geo-data and decision boundaries, assess prediction certainty, and observe the data distribution trends. This bridges the gap between the insightful properties of traditional discriminant diagrams and the high-dimensional efficiency of modern machine learning. Using pyrite trace element data, we construct a decision map for mineral deposit type classification, which maintains the accuracy of machine learning while adding valuable visualization insight. Additionally, we demonstrate two applications of decision maps. First, we show how decision maps can help resolve the genetic type dispute of a deposit whose data was not used in training the models. Second, we demonstrate how the decision maps can help understand the model, which further helps find indicator elements of pyrite. The recommended indicator elements by decision maps are consistent with geologists’ knowledge. This study confirms the decision map’s effectiveness in interpreting mineral genetic type classification problems. In geochemistry classification, it marks a shift from conventional machine learning to a visually insightful approach, thereby enhancing the geological understanding derived from the model. Furthermore, our work implies that decision maps could be applicable to diverse classification challenges in geosciences.

Detection of medial vascular calcification in chronic kidney disease based on pulse wave analysis in the frequency domain

Medial vascular calcification (mVC), particularly prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), is a pathological deposition of minerals in the medial layer of the vessel wall and is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Currently, there is no cost–effective and non-invasive procedure of mVC assessment in routine clinical practice. We explored whether in–depth analysis of non-invasively recorded peripheral pulse waves can serve as an effective mVC biomarker.The study included 97 CKD patients with histological assessment of mVC in the epigastric artery and pulse wave measurements in the brachial artery. Pulse waves were analysed in the frequency domain to obtain features, which, together with traditional mVC risk factors (i.e., age, sex, and body mass index), were used to build generalized linear models for mVC prediction. The classifiers with the best scores in terms of balanced accuracy were combined in an ensemble establishing the final model.The final, ensembled model, assessed using a leave-one-out cross-validation process, achieved a balanced accuracy equal to 0.87, an accuracy of 0.93, an AUC ROC of 0.91, and an F-score of 0.96. Apart from the features associated with pulse waves, the selected variables included age, sex, body mass index, heart rate and diastolic blood pressure.Analysis of non-invasively recorded peripheral pulse waveforms combined with traditional risk factors, can help to detect mVC in CKD patients and thus, potentially introduce risk-lowering therapeutic strategies at earlier disease stages in the future.

An introduction to the Bowland Shale Formation, UK: processes and resources

Abstract This volume showcases recent geological, geophysical and geochemical research on the Carboniferous Bowland Shale Formation. The Bowland Shale is a relatively thick and extensive Palaeozoic black shale unit with a long history of debate and controversy in the UK. The Bowland Shale is proven in many of the key Carboniferous basins in the Midlands, northern England and North Wales, and represents a significant, near-continuous temporal record spanning 16 Myr including the important mid-Carboniferous boundary (Mississippian–Pennsylvanian). Since the first geological surveys in the late nineteenth century, the Bowland Shale has been of interest for a variety of reasons, including the search for Irish-type Pb–Zn base metal mineral deposits, and as a source rock in conventional hydrocarbon systems. In the mid-2000s, attention turned to the Bowland Shale as a target for unconventional hydrocarbon extraction, shale gas, following success in the USA. This placed the Bowland Shale at the centre of a series of interconnected controversies and debates from the local to national scale. The geological credibility of the purported shale gas resource in the UK was – and continues to be – highly contentious. This volume contributes to a more updated view of the Bowland Shale, covering topics such as sedimentary, geochemical and physical properties and processes, basin-forming events, hydrocarbon prospectivity, mineralization and heat and fluid flow in the subsurface. The volume also includes a field guide to some of the key localities in the UK. With the benefit of hindsight offered by the latest generation of research, the early regional shale gas assessments failed to attach sufficient weight to the compositional heterogeneity, structural complexity, compartmentalization and highly variable exhumation, erosion and palaeo-heat flow history of the Bowland Shale. The following topics are identified as promising avenues for future research beyond shale gas: (1) the role of the Bowland Shale in the context of mineral systems; (2) the role of the Bowland Shale as a cap rock in the Lower Carboniferous limestone geothermal play and potentially as an analogue of CO 2 or radioactive waste storage in the UK; and (3) pathways and mechanisms for weathering, alteration and trace element release from the Bowland Shale into the surface and/or subsurface environment.

Periodic static compression of micro-strain pattern regulates endochondral bone formation.

Introduction: Developmental engineering based on endochondral ossification has been proposed as a potential strategy for repairing of critical bone defects. Bone development is driven by growth plate-mediated endochondral ossification. Under physiological conditions, growth plate chondrocytes undergo compressive forces characterized by micro-mechanics, but the regulatory effect of micro-mechanical loading on endochondral bone formation has not been investigated. Methods: In this study, a periodic static compression (PSC) model characterized by micro-strain (with 0.5% strain) was designed to clarify the effects of biochemical/mechanical cues on endochondral bone formation. Hydrogel scaffolds loaded with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were incubated in proliferation medium or chondrogenic medium, and PSC was performed continuously for 14 or 28days. Subsequently, the scaffold pretreated for 28days was implanted into rat femoral muscle pouches and femoral condylar defect sites. The chondrogenesis and bone defect repair were evaluated 4 or 10weeks post-operation. Results: The results showed that PSC stimulation for 14days significantly increased the number of COL II positive cells in proliferation medium. However, the chondrogenic efficiency of BMSCs was significantly improved in chondrogenic medium, with or without PSC application. The induced chondrocytes (ichondrocytes) spontaneously underwent hypertrophy and maturation, but long-term mechanical stimulation (loading for 28days) significantly inhibited hypertrophy and mineralization in ichondrocytes. In the heterotopic ossification model, no chondrocytes were found and no significant difference in terms of mineral deposition in each group; However, 4weeks after implantation into the femoral defect site, all scaffolds that were subjected to biochemical/mechanical cues, either solely or synergistically, showed typical chondrocytes and endochondral bone formation. In addition, simultaneous biochemical induction/mechanical loading significantly accelerated the bone regeneration. Discussion: Our findings suggest that microstrain mechanics, biochemical cues, and in vivo microenvironment synergistically regulate the differentiation fate of BMSCs. Meanwhile, this study shows the potential of micro-strain mechanics in the treatment of critical bone defects.

New approach to determining the economic efficiency of investments in mineral resources deposits development

The purpose of the study is to develop methodological support for assessing the economic efficiency of investment when implementing projects for mineral deposits development, including investments in coal deposits development. Specific features of the content of these projects implementation process have been considered both in terms of investment result and its components, and in terms of composition and investment structure, which affect the methodology used and the corresponding methods of efficiency indicators calculation. The author’s approach and specific formulas for assessing the economic efficiency of investment when implementing projects for mineral deposits development have been outlined and substantiated. The projects are based on the use of newly created value indicator such as internal income of enterprises and organizations as a result of investment and investment activity. In its economic content it corresponds to the country’s internal national income indicator, which is the financial basis for the functioning and existence of the state. The formulas for calculating the indicators of economic efficiency of investments and capital investments in development and exploitation of mineral deposits of specific investors without considering the costs of production and social infrastructure have been given.

Potentials of spaceborne imaging spectrometer PRISMA, ASTER, and ALOS-1 PALSAR datasets for mineral mapping and geological controls of mineral deposit in Jahazpur, Rajasthan, India

Palaeoproterozoic rocks of the Jahazpur region are well known for talc mineralization and its mining. The present study attempts to identify and map the talc and associated minerals and their structural control using multi-source remote sensing datasets. Remote Sensing studies were carried out using the relative band depth methods for the ASTER dataset for mapping talc and other associated minerals of the region. Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Independent Component Analysis (ICA), and Minimum Noise Fraction (MNF) were applied to the PRISMA dataset to map the lithology of the region. Along with that, the Spectral Angle Mapper (SAM) and Spectral Information Divergence (SID) algorithms map the talc and clay minerals using the PRISMA dataset. ALOS – 1 PALSAR dataset had been utilized to delineate the various lineaments present in the region at different angles. The obtained mineral maps form the ASTER had been validated with results of the PRISMA classified map and showed a good number of similarities. The obtained results from remote sensing have been further validated with the help of field survey and XRD analysis which confirms the presence of talc and clay minerals in the region. The structural pattern of the lineament shows the similarity in the direction orientation with the Jahazpur Thrust. Dolomites and clay minerals were mapped around the talc mining region which suggests that the alteration of these minerals played an important role in the formation of talc. Clay minerals were also mapped there and formed due to the weathering of the granites of Berach and Jahazpur present in the region. Both talc and clay deposits are present at the higher lineament density zones which represents the structural control over the mineralization. Therefore, the mineral deposits of the Jahazpur region are mineralogical and structurally controlled.

Ecological problems of technogenically disturbed lands on the Absheron Peninsula


 
 
 The study area occupies an important place in our republic’s economic, political, and agricultural development. It is very important to properly use the land of an area with such an advantageous position. In addition to rich deposits of oil, gas, and gas condensate, the Absheron Peninsula has widespread mineral deposits (limestone, gypsum, crushed stone, bentonite, sand, etc.). Currently, the accumulation of waste in the territory of quarries and dumps after the extraction of non-metallic minerals on a large scale has led to the formation of technogenically disturbed areas. On the territory of the quarries themselves and adjacent lands, well-developed soils are widespread (irrigated ordinary gray soils with different granulometric composition and thickness, semi-desert gray-brown soils). During the extraction of deposits, as a result of the use of multiton machines and mechanisms, these lands were subjected to varying degrees of technogenic degradation, lost their fertility, and have not yet been studied either genetically or economically. Therefore, when writing this article, the main goal was a large-scale study of these lands and the development of recommendations for their restoration. Various scientists have conducted research on the geochronology of the formation of the soil and vegetation cover of the Absheron Peninsula, the degree of exposure to technogenic impacts, the development of a typological classification, mapping and modeling them to a fertile state in order to evaluate them in terms of biological productivity. However, it has not been possible to fully study the land and use it in different economic sectors. For this reason, an important topic of our time is touched upon in the presented article and is chosen again due to its relevance. As an object of study, the soil and vegetation cover of the territory where organic and non-metallic resources of the peninsula were mined, as well as lands that remained outside the scope of large-scale research, spread over the deformed areas of the Absheron Peninsula, were chosen. In order to give the research a greater scientific-theoretical and scientific-practical orientation, we laid soil-vegetation sections, described natural vegetation, and took sam- ples for laboratory analysis from reference places in the study area,. According to the analysis in the studied soils, it can be said that the amount of dry residue, which is considered the main indicator of the degree of salinity, ranges from 0.172-2.312% in the upper reaches of the accumulative-humus layers, which indicates that a small part of these soils has a predominantly weak medium, strong and very strong salinity.
 
 

Noggin promotes osteogenesis in human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells via FGFR2/Src/Akt and ERK signaling pathway

The balance between Noggin and bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) is important during early development and skeletal regenerative therapies. Noggin binds BMPs in the extracellular space, thereby preventing BMP signaling. However, Noggin may affect cell response not necessarily through the modulation of BMP signaling, raising the possibility of direct Noggin signaling through yet unspecified receptors. Here we show that in osteogenic cultures of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs), Noggin activates fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs), Src/Akt and ERK kinases, and it stabilizes TAZ proteins in the presence of dexamethasone. Overall, this leads ASCs to increased expression of osteogenic markers and robust mineral deposition. Our results also indicate that Noggin can induce osteogenic genes expression in normal human bone marrow stem cells and alkaline phosphatase activity in normal human dental pulp stem cells. Besides, Noggin can specifically activate FGFR2 in osteosarcoma cells. We believe our findings open new research avenues to further explore the involvement of Noggin in cell fate modulation by FGFR2/Src/Akt/ERK signaling and potential applications of Noggin in bone regenerative therapies.

Mapping bauxite-associated alterations in the Boke region (NW part of Republic of Guinea), using the airborne gamma-ray spectrometry data

Mapping of highly altered zones favorable to mineralization is crucial to finding useful mineral deposits. However, several methods have been used to locate areas subject to weathering processes, including analysis of airborne gamma-ray spectrometry data, which have demonstrated accurate and reliable results. In order to target other promising areas, and ensure the sustainability of bauxite mining, gamma-ray spectrometry was carried out and applied for the first time in the Boke region, located in the north–west of the Republic of Guinea which encompassing the world's famous bauxite district. The results obtained from the K/eU, K/eTh ratios, the F parameter and the potassium map were processed by the fuzzy logic model using ArcGIS software, the model can be used to merge the resulting informative maps into a single mineral prospectivity map, serving as a guide for mineral exploration. Three zones of high mineral prospectivity have been identified, essentially the Ordovician formations at Pita, the Silurian at Telimele and the Devonian at Faro. According to these preliminary prospecting results, the delineated areas contain localities that are probably potential, giving the green light for more advanced prospecting.

An anti-infection and biodegradable TFRD-loaded porous scaffold promotes bone regeneration in segmental bone defects -experimental studies.

Addressing segmental bone defects remains a complex task in orthopedics, and recent advancements have led to the development of novel drugs to enhance the bone regeneration. However, long-term oral administration can lead to malnutrition and poor patient compliance. Scaffolds loaded with medication are extensively employed to facilitate the restoration of bone defects. Inspired by the local use of total flavonoids of Rhizoma Drynariae (TFRD) in the treatment of fracture, a novel 3D-printed HA/CMCS/PDA/TFRD scaffold with anti-infection, biodegradable and induced angiogenesis was designed, and to explore its preclinical value in segmental bone defect of tibia. The scaffold exhibited good degradation and drug release performance. In vitro, the scaffold extract promoted osteogenesis by enhancing bone-related gene/protein expression and mineral deposition in BMSCs. It also stimulated endothelial cell migration and promoted angiogenesis through the upregulation of specific genes and proteins associated with cell migration and tube formation. This may be attributed to the activation of the PI3k/AKT/HIF-1α pathway, facilitating the processes of osteogenesis and angiogenesis. Furthermore, the HA/CMCS/PDA/TFRD scaffold was demonstrated to alleviate infection, enhance angiogenesis, promote bone regeneration, and increase the maximum failure force of new formed bone in a rat model of segmental bone defects. Porous scaffolds loaded with TFRD can reduce infection, be biodegradable, and induce angiogenesis, presenting a novel approach for addressing tibial segmental bone defects.