Comparison of Compressive Strength and Flexural Capacity between Engineered Cementitious Composites (Bendable Concrete) and Conventional Concrete used in Bangladesh

The Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC) is made of the same ingredients as in regular concrete. The coarse aggregate is replaced with tiny Polyvinyl Alcohol fibres. This structure offers maximum flexibility and it is expected to cost less. It looks exactly like normal concrete, but under excessive strain, the ECC concrete allows, the specially coated network of fibre in the cement to slide within the cement, thus avoiding the inflexibility that causes brittleness and breakage. As this is a special type of concrete there are no defined codes for it, thus for these reasons, the parameters needed are to be obtained using trial and error method. During the composite preparation, sieve analysis was carried out. Composites were reinforced with Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) at the following ratios: 0 % (control), 0.5 %, 1 % and 1.5 %. The cylindrical specimens were subjected to compression and the slab specimens were subjected to flexural test using a Universal Testing Machine, while acquiring data with GOM Correlation Software. Test results reveal that fibre ratio 1% is most acceptable for attaining best compressive strength along with high flexural value. Even though 1% fibre content concrete in the flexural strength test showed 33% less strength of what 1.5% fibre content concrete gained, in the long run, for having the highest compressive strength value (almost 62% more than of 0% fibre content concrete and 15% more than of 1.5% fibre content concrete), 1% fibre content concrete is most suited for constructions

Racial Differences in the Use of Most Commonly Performed Medical Procedures in the United States

Objective: This study investigates racial disparities in the use of commonly performed medical procedures in U.S. hospitals. Methods: To examine racial disparities, we calculated age-adjusted rate of procedures used by all Whites, Blacks, Hispanics, Asians or Pacific Islanders and Native Americans and calculated corresponding Relative Risks(RRs) of White vs. all other races based on procedure utilizations and insurance types using 20% random sample of Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) data between 2001 and2003. Results: Whites were significantly more likely to receive 3 of the study procedures than Blacks, 3 of the procedures than Hispanics, 2 of the procedures than Asians or Pacific Islanders and 4 of the procedures than Native Americans (p\u3c0.05). We also found racial disparities to receive medical procedures based on patients’ insurance status.However, only in a few cases were these differences substantial. Conclusion: Race plays a significantly important role in the use of commonly performed medical procedures in U.S. hospitals

Clinico-pathological profile of breast cancer patients in a radiation therapy centre

Background: The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinico-pathological characteristics of patients with breast cancer at the Radiation Center of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), a tertiary‑care cancer center in Dhaka, Bangladesh.   Methods: This descriptive study was conducted from March 2021 to February 2022 where patients receiving radiotherapy for breast cancer were included. Data were collected from face-to-face interviews with patients and from their investigation reports. Data regarding age, presenting symptoms, histological type, tumor size, involvement of regional nodes, hormonal receptor status, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) amplification were recorded and then analyzed. Results: The mean age of the patients was 52.53 years. Most of the patients (93%) were multiparous and 62.24% were postmenopausal. The most common symptom was breast lump (91.6%). Infiltrating ductal carcinoma and lobular carcinoma were seen in 136 (95.1%) and 7 (4.9%) cases respectively. The TNM stage distribution was stage I, 6 (4.2%); stage II, 52 (36.36%); stage III, 76 (53.15%); and stage IV, 9 (6.29%). Locally advanced breast cancer constituted 42.66% of the cases. Among the patients 90 (62.94%) patients were ER/PR positive and 42 (29.37%) patients were HER2 positive. Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) constituted 25.17% (36) of the study population. All receptors were positive in 25 patients (17.48%). Conclusions: Majority of our patients receiving breast radiotherapy at our center are middle aged and have advanced disease. TNBC and HER2 positive breast cancer are more common in our population

EVALUATION OF EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF NIGELLA SATIVA OIL SUPPLEMENTATION IN PATIENTS OF CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE

ABSTRACTObjective: To evaluate efficacy and safety of add-on therapy of Nigella sativa oil in patients of stage 3 and 4 of chronic kidney disease (CKD).Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in a tertiary care center of north India in stage 3 and 4 patients of CKD. It was a prospective,comparative, and open label study. Patients were randomly divided into two interventional groups. Group I (Control) received conservativemanagement of CKD while Group II (Test) received conservative management along with N. sativa oil (2.5 mL, per orally, once daily) for 12 weeks.Hemogram and renal function tests were done, and adverse events were recorded at 0, 6, and 12 weeks of treatment.Results: After 12 weeks of treatment, there was a progressive improvement in clinical features and biochemical parameters in both the groups, but itwas more marked in the test group compared to control group. Both groups showed gradual improvement in the biochemical parameters as comparedto their pre-treated values which were more marked in N. sativa oil supplemented group. There was a reduction in blood glucose, blood urea, serumcreatinine, and 24-hr total urine protein. There was an increase in hemoglobin, 24-hr total urine volume, and glomerular filtration rate.Conclusion: N. sativa oil supplementation along with conservative management is efficacious and safe in averting the progression of disease in stage 3and 4 patients of CKD.Keywords: Chronic kidney disease, Nigella sativa oil, End-stage renal disease, Glomerular filtration rate

PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING, ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES IN VARIOUS EXTRACTS FROM THE LEAVES OF FLAGELLARIA INDICA L. FROM SABAH, MALAYSIA

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the antioxidant capacities of the leaves of Flagellaria indica L. (FI) and its phytochemical constituents in six different extracts.Methods: The assessment was done via a 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay for the antioxidant test, the Folin-ciocalteau method for total phenolic content, Willet's method for total flavonoid content and several other qualitative phytochemical tests carried out on all extracts.Results: The results show the highest values of radical scavenging in the following order of extracts: butanol>ethyl acetate>aqueous>chloroform>methanol>hexane. The total phenolic content is the highest in the ethyl acetate (e. acetate) extract (153.28 mg/g) followed by butanol (134.78 mg/g), aqueous extract (65.88 mg/g), chloroform (55.28 mg/g), methanol (45.98 mg/g) and hexane (22.78 mg/g), expressed as gallic acid equivalents. The total flavonoids content was also the highest in e. acetate extract (38.96 mg/g) followed by butanol (28.45 mg/g), aqueous (21.18 mg/g), chloroform (12.9 mg/g), methanol (10.78 mg/g) and hexane extract (4.92 mg/g) using cathechin equivalents.Conclusion: The antioxidant and radical scavenging activities of FI might be due to the strong presence of phenolic constituents, flavonoids and several other bioactive compounds. Thus, further research can be conducted to elucidate the potential of this plant for pharmacological importance.Â

Comparison of Compressive Strength and Flexural Capacity between Engineered Cementitious Composites (Bendable Concrete) and Conventional Concrete used in Bangladesh

The Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC) is made of the same ingredients as in regular concrete. The coarse aggregate is replaced with tiny Polyvinyl Alcohol fibres. This structure offers maximum flexibility and it is expected to cost less. It looks exactly like normal concrete, but under excessive strain, the ECC concrete allows, the specially coated network of fibre in the cement to slide within the cement, thus avoiding the inflexibility that causes brittleness and breakage. As this is a special type of concrete there are no defined codes for it, thus for these reasons, the parameters needed are to be obtained using trial and error method. During the composite preparation, sieve analysis was carried out. Composites were reinforced with Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) at the following ratios: 0 % (control), 0.5 %, 1 % and 1.5 %. The cylindrical specimens were subjected to compression and the slab specimens were subjected to flexural test using a Universal Testing Machine, while acquiring data with GOM Correlation Software. Test results reveal that fibre ratio 1% is most acceptable for attaining best compressive strength along with high flexural value. Even though 1% fibre content concrete in the flexural strength test showed 33% less strength of what 1.5% fibre content concrete gained, in the long run, for having the highest compressive strength value (almost 62% more than of 0% fibre content concrete and 15% more than of 1.5% fibre content concrete), 1% fibre content concrete is most suited for constructions

Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Oxygenase on Lipid Nanodiscs: A Nano-Assembly Reflecting Native-Like Function of eNOS

© 2017 Elsevier Inc. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is a membrane-anchored enzyme. To highlight the potential role and effect of membrane phospholipids on the structure and activity of eNOS, we have incorporated the recombinant oxygenase subunit of eNOS into lipid nanodiscs. Two different size distribution modes were detected by multi-angle dynamic light scattering both for empty nanodiscs, and nanodiscs-bound eNOSoxy. The calculated hydrodynamic diameter for mode 1 species was 9.0 nm for empty nanodiscs and 9.8 nm for nanodisc bound eNOSoxy. Spectroscopic Griess assay was used to measure the enzymatic activity. Remarkably, the specific activity of nanodisc-bound eNOSoxy is ∼65% lower than the activity of free enzyme. The data shows that the nano-membrane environment affects the catalytic properties of eNOS heme domain

Comparison of outcome between suture and suture-less surgery following pterygium excision and conjunctival autograft

Background: A pterygium, known as surfer's eye, is a raised, wedge-shaped growth of the conjunctiva that extends onto the cornea, the outer layer of the eye. Aim was to compare the safety, efficacy and outcome of suture less technique with suture of conjunctival autograft in the management of pterygium. Methods: This study was carried out in the department of ophthalmology, Sir Salimullah medical college and Mitford hospital, Dhaka. Study period was July 2019 to June 2020. Subjects for this study were divided into two groups, forty patients were enrolled in each group of the study population. Group I (control) comprised the subjects in whom suture was used following pterygium excision and conjunctival autograft and group II (experimental) comprised the subjects in whom no suture was used following pterygium excision and conjunctival autograft. Results: In group I, 20% were 20-29 years old, 30% were 30-39, 27.5% were 40-49, and 22.5% were over 50, with 77.5% being male and 22.5% female. In group II, 22.5% were 20-29 years old, 27.5% were 30-39, 30% were 40-49, and 20% were over 50, with 72.5% being male and 27.5% female. The most common symptom was "foreign body sensation" in both groups. In group I, 5% experienced partial graft dehiscence, 2.5% a conjunctival cyst, 10% hyperemia, and 17.5% visual improvement. In group II, 2.5% had partial graft dehiscence, 2.5% hyperemia, and 22.5% visual improvement. Neither group had graft retraction or recurrence. Conclusions: Postoperative presentation like hyperemia was significantly less in experimental group. Incidence of post-operative complications like graft dehiscence and conjunctival cyst were comparatively less frequent in suture less technique. Thus, suture less technique following pterygium excision and conjunctival autograft is a safer and less complicated than sutured technique

Entamoeba moshkovskii Infections in Children in Bangladesh

Entamoeba moshkovskii cysts are morphologically indistinguishable from those of the disease-causing species E. histolytica and the nonpathogenic E. dispar. Although sporadic cases of human infection with E. moshkovskii have been reported, the organism is considered primarily a free-living ameba. No simple molecular detection tool is available for diagnosing E. moshkovskii infections. We used polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect E. moshkovskii directly in stool. We tested 109 stool specimens from preschool children in Bangladesh by PCR; 17 were positive for E. histolytica (15.6%) and 39 were positive for E. dispar (35.8%). In addition, we found that 23 (21.1%) were positive for E. moshkovskii infection, and 17 (73.9%) of these also carried E. histolytica or E. dispar. The high association of E. moshkovskii with E. histolytica and E. dispar may have obscured its identification in previous studies. The high prevalence found in this study suggests that humans may be a true host for this ameba