Comparison of dosimetric parameters between intensity modulated and three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy planning for adjuvant therapy of gastric cancer

Background: Adjuvant chemoradiotherapy is the standard treatment for gastric carcinoma, but the optimal radiation modality remains uncertain. This study aimed to compare intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) in terms of dosimetry for adjuvant gastric cancer treatment. Methods: 21 patients with stage IIB-IIIC gastric cancer, treated between January and June 2021, underwent surgery followed by adjuvant chemoradiation with both IMRT and 3D-CRT plans. Dosimetric parameters were calculated for the planned target volume (PTV) and organs at risk (OAR). Results: Both IMRT and 3D-CRT provided comparable PTV coverage. However, IMRT significantly improved kidney sparing, reducing the mean V20 value by 23% (p=0.01) for the right kidney and 26% (p=0.02) for the left kidney compared to 3D-CRT. IMRT also decreased the mean irradiated volume for both kidneys and the liver, as well as the V30 value for the liver, although these differences were not statistically significant. The dosimetric parameters for the spinal cord were comparable between IMRT and 3D-CRT plans. Conclusions: IMRT demonstrated better kidney sparing compared to 3D-CRT in adjuvant radiotherapy for gastric cancer, while PTV coverage was similar. Long-term follow-up is necessary to assess clinical outcomes and local recurrence rates for both treatment plans

Ten years of survival among early-stage breast cancer patients: a hospital-based study

Background: The incidence rate of breast cancer is gradually increasing all over the world. In Bangladesh, we have very little research-based information regarding the survival of patients with early-stage breast cancer. The aim of this study was to determine the survival outcome of early-stage (Stages I- IIIA) breast cancer among female patients in respect to their age group, stage of the disease, tumor grade, nodal status, and hormone receptor status Methods: This was a prospective observational study focused on the survival outcome conducted in the department of clinical oncology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib medical university (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh during the period from December 2011 to December 2021. One hundred and five (105) female patients with early-stage (Stages I-IIIA) breast cancer were selected following the inclusion and exclusion criteria as the study subjects. Properly informed written consent was taken from all the participants before starting data collection. All data were processed, analyzed, and disseminated by MS office and SPSS programs as per need.   Results: The survival rate was found 79% (n=83). We observed stage-wise 10-year overall survival among the participants where 51.60%, 36.10%, and 12.30% survived from tumor stage I, II, and III respectively. We also observed that 29%, 60% and 11% of patients had survived from tumor grade I, II, and III respectively (Out of 83 survival cases). On the other hand, among the 83 10-year survival patients, 53.8% were of negative nodal status whereas 34.20% were of positive nodal status patients. Among the survived 83 patients, 86% were from >40 years’ age group whereas the rest 14% were from <40 years of age group. Conclusions: Early detection and treatment of breast cancer provide a definitive survival benefit. The results of the study showed that comprehensive screening and early detection of breast cancer is required to improve the survival outcome

Traffic Information Interface Development in Route Choice Decision

"jats:p"In this paper, a method has been developed based on historic traffic data (vehicle speed), which helps the commuters to choose routes by their intelligence knowing the traffic conditions in Google maps. Data has been collected on basis of video analysis from several segments between Tuker Bazar and Bandar Bazar route. For each of the video footage, a reference length has been recorded with measurement tape for use in video analysis. Software has been also developed based on Java language to get the traffic information from historic data, which shows the output as images consisting of traffic speed details on the available routes by giving day and time limit as inputs. The developed models provide useful insights and helpful for the policy makers that can lead to the reduction of traffic congestion and increase the scope of intelligence of the road users, at least for the underdeveloped or developing country where navigation is still unavailable. Document type: Articl

Women-led community-based rice seed entrepreneurship model in Bangladesh: Status, challenges and opportunities

AbstractThe study assessed the overall status of CBRSEM and the potential benefits accrued from the model. The sample comprised 92 respondents selected from a women-led Community-Based Rice Seed Entrepreneurship Model (CBRSEM) located in Taraganj and Shadullapur upazilas of the Rangpur and Gaibandha districts of Bangladesh, respectively, following a stratified proportionate random sampling technique. Membership in CBRSEM developed their communication skills, social relationships, and decision-making abilities while capacitating them in sowing, harvesting, and threshing. Increased access to quality seeds was ensured through easy availability at the right time in proximity. Increased yield, betterment of livelihood, and empowerment were the leading benefits. The concerns that emerged were high production cost, absence of a moisture meter, and timely roguing. Popular suggestions put forward included means to lessen the cost of agricultural inputs, provision of loans with easy terms and conditions, and training programs

Effects of Organic Amendments on Soil Aggregate Stability, Carbon Sequestration, and Energy Use Efficiency in Wetland Paddy Cultivation

A study was conducted to assess the effects of organic amendments on soil aggregates, carbon (C) sequestration, and energy use efficiency (EUE) during five consecutive Boro and Transplanted Aman rice seasons in Bangladesh during 2018–2020. Five treatments (viz., control (only inorganic fertilizers), cow dung (CD), vermicompost (VC), rice straw (RS), and poultry manure (PM)) were used. The organic materials were applied at 2 t C ha−1 season−1 to all the plots, except in the control treatment. Inorganic fertilizers were applied in all treatments in both seasons following integrated nutrient management (INM). The data reveal that PM was found to be more efficient at increasing the water-stable soil aggregates (WSA), followed by the RS, CD, and VC. The WSA in smaller-sized soil aggregates were found to be higher than those in larger-sized soil aggregates. VC was found to be the most effective in terms of C sequestration (29%), followed by PM (26%), CD (22%), and RS (20%). The highest EUE was attributed to the control treatment (9.77), followed by the CD (8.67), VC (8.04), RS (2.10), and PM (1.18), which showed energy wastage in the organic treatments. The system productivity (SP) followed the opposite trend of the EUE. The INM is a better approach to improve the soil health, the C sequestration, and the SP, but it appeared as an energy-inefficient strategy, which suggests that a balanced application of organic and inorganic nutrients is needed in order to achieve yield sustainability and EUE