Risk stratification of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients

Background: Multiple Myeloma is a neoplastic proliferation of plasma cells, associated with an M (monoclonal) protein in serum and/or urine and evidence of organ damage. Despite advances in treatment, the disease remains heterogeneous, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of its risk stratification. Risk-adapted initial therapy, maintenance therapy, refractory disease management and prognosis varies according to risk group. The aim of our study is to categorize the newly diagnosed MM patients according to their risk groups. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted at the Department of Haematology of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from August 2019 to July 2020. A total of 31 newly diagnosed MM patients were enrolled based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Risk stratification was performed using ISS, R-ISS, mSMART criteria and Avets risk group categorization. Result: The majority of the patients were male (64.52%) and aged between 55-64 years (45.16%). Clinical features predominantly included low back pain (74.19%) and general weakness (38.71%). Cytogenetic abnormalities were noted in 38.7% of the patients, with del (13q) being the most common (32.30%). Most patients were in ISS Stage III (70.97%) and R-ISS Stage II (48.39%). According to mSMART criteria, 80.65% were at standard risk while Avet's risk stratification identifies 58.06% were at intermediate risk. Conclusion: The study reveals a high prevalence of patients in advanced ISS stages and intermediate to high-risk categories, emphasizing the need for early and personalized intervention strategies

Finite Element Analysis of Composite Roof System Subjected to Various Loading by ANSYS 13.0

In recent years the use of advanced composite materials has gained wider space in the civil engineering sector, due to some favorable characteristics such as lightweight, high specific strength, resistance to corrosion and fatigue. In this work, a new slab system composed of brick masonry is analyzed for finite element method by ANSYS 13.0. Brick masonry is one of the oldest building materials comparative superior to other alterative in terms of appearance, durability and cost. Brick masonry slab is durable, fire proofing, easy to construct, free from corrosion of reinforcement due to saline effect and in most cases it results in the increase of floor space due to adoption of brickwork or lesser thickness. In addition to tremendous use of bricks for low cost housing in Bangladesh, its use is getting popularity both in high rise structures and in factory buildings. As Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is a preferred method to analyses the behavior of brick slab, commercial finite element analysis software ANSYS 13.0 is used to analyses the structural performance of the brick slab model under static and dynamic loading. Masonry slab under various load showed strong enough to tackle load induced on it

Circular-Economy-Based Approach to Utilizing Cardboard in Sustainable Building Construction

Circular-economy-based sustainability approaches in construction are gaining wide acceptance due to the volume of waste generation and increasing demand for natural materials. Propelled by the recent timber shortage in Australia and the issues of waste management of cardboard, this study aims to analyse the possibilities of using cardboard as a construction material, based on its initial strength and multiple recycling options. A systematic review of research papers published in the last 40 years has been undertaken using a single keyword search to select the database. The review is presented in terms of the characteristics of the cardboard, dimensional stability, durability, structural strength, design, and analysis of cardboard. Recurring themes are evaluated using a latent Dirichlet allocation approach to identify the factors that ascertain the suitability of cardboard. Analysis reveals that despite certain constraints, such as water absorption and fire resistance, cardboard can be used as a replacement for timber by overcoming such limitations. This observation has benefits for the construction industry and the recycling industry. This study found that cardboard adheres to the circular economy principles, which should inspire policymakers. The paper concludes by highlighting the current circumstances and scientific challenges that impede the usage of cardboard in construction and recommends potential works needed to address these challenges for the benefit of practitioners and researchers