bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors of Using Long Acting and Permanent Methods (LAPM) of Contraception: Bangladesh Perspective
Authors: Pal Bikash , Md Shafiullah Abu Zar 
Published: October 2023

The Government of Bangladesh is very much aware of controlling excessive birth rate to maintain population problem. Though Bangladesh is owning self-sufficiency in many sectors, the increasing population is a great impediment for the development of the country. So, promoting different contraceptive methods is of much importance. This work aims at identifying the important determinants that affect the long-acting and permanent methods (LAPM) of contraception. Firstly, chi-square test of association is carried out for defining the correlates of LAPM of contraception using Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS), 2017-18 data. For estimating the effects of each controlled independent variables, data are further analyzed within a multivariate framework. To obtain consistent and efficient estimates of parameters of interest, multinomial logistic regression model is used in this work. The study finds several socio-economic and demographic variables having high impact on using LAPM. The study findings are properly discussed and recommendations are made accordingly for the policy makers.
Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 71(2): 87-94, 2023 (July)
Preparation and Characterization of Carbon Doped ZnO and Its Effectiveness as Photocatalyst under Visible Light
Authors: Zaman Mahbuba , Akter Nasrin , Rahman Md Ataur , Hossain Md Mufazzal 
Published: October 2023

Carbon-doped ZnO (C-ZnO) was prepared and characterized by XRD, SEM, EDX and FT-IR spectroscopy. The substitution of oxygen in the lattice of ZnO by carbon greatly extends its optical sensitivity in the visible light due to the band gap’s shrinkage, which promotes the effectiveness of electron-hole separation. SEM images showed that the surface of C-ZnO catalyst is different from that of undoped ZnO. Analysis of the elements present in the sample was done by EDX which affirms that the prepared sample contains Zn, O and C atoms. The existence of ZnO as wurtzite is confirmed by XRD analysis exhibiting little deviation of the peak position due to the presence of carbon in substitutional sites. FT-IR analysis also supports these results. Under visible light irradiation, the prepared C-ZnO shows better photocatalytic efficiency on methylene blue (MB) than un-doped ZnO. The optimum photodegradation efficiency of MB has been observed when 2 percent C-doped ZnO obtained at 300˚C calcination temperature.
Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 71(2): 127-133, 2023 (July)
Impact of COVID-19 and Russia-Ukraine war on the inflation rate of South and Southeast Asia
Authors: Rahman Tareq , Rayhan Md Israt 
Published: October 2023

The financial value of money and the overall stability of an economy are significantly impacted by inflation. To investigate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war on constant inflation rates in South and Southeast Asian countries between January 2019 and December 2022, this research utilizes monthly inflation rate data from the International Monetary Fund. Autoregressive integrated moving average modeling and prediction of inflation rates and the Bai-Perron method to estimate the structural breakdown of monthly inflation rate series are employed. Graphical methods and theoretical tests are used to diagnose the models, and the Chow test is utilized to assess structural breakdown in the monthly inflation rate series. The findings indicate that the Russia-Ukraine war since February 2022 has a more significant impact on the selected countries than the COVID-19 pandemic during January 2020 to December 2021.
Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 71(2): 169-175, 2023 (July)
Iron deficiency anemia in a patient with coronary heart disease: is mimicry possible?
Authors: Tov N. L. , Kuznetsova K. V. 
Published: October 2023

Relevance. Anemia is detected in chronic heart failure (CHF) in 50–60% of patients, second in frequency only to arterial hypertension and coronary artery disease. Most often it is iron deficiency anemia (IDA), the cause of which is both absolute and functional iron deficiency (ID). IDA with absolute ID in patients with coronary artery disease may manifest symptoms similar to the manifestations of CHF, which leads to unfounded prescription of iron preparations for intravenous administration.Purpose. Determine the need for a thorough examination of patients with coronary artery disease and IDA, taking into account existing clinical guidelines to exclude overdiagnosis of CHF.Materials. A clinical observation is presented demonstrating that a full examination of patients, including the determination of erythrocyte and ferrokinetic parameters, the level of natriuretic peptides and the left ventricular ejection fraction, makes it possible to distinguish between absolute and functional ID and differentiate the symptoms of IDA and CHF. Identification of the cause of ID, often associated with the use of anticoagulants and disagregants, and its correction using oral forms of iron sulfate avoids both overdiagnosis of CHF and unfounded prescription of drugs for parenteral administration. This avoids undesirable effects of therapy, improves prognosis and improves the patient’s quality of life, and reduces the burden on the health care system.
A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of the efficacy and safety of two doses of azelastine hydrochloride in perennial allergic rhinitis
Authors: Bousquet Jean , Klimek Ludger , Kuhl Hans-Christian , Nguyen Duc Tung , Ramalingam Rajesh Kumar , Canonica G. W. , Berger William E. 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundAzelastine hydrochloride (AZE) is a selective, non-sedating H1 antagonist with anti-inflammatory and mast cell stabilizing properties, which can be used as an alternative to intranasal corticosteroids. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the new formulation of 0.15% AZE compared to that of the placebo at a dosage of two sprays per nostril twice daily for 4 weeks in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR).Materials and methodsA total of 581 subjects were randomized in this double-blind (DB) placebo-controlled trial (NCT00712920) that compared 0.10% (1,096 μg daily) and 0.15% AZE (1,644 μg daily) to the placebo in PAR patients. The study consisted of a 7-day single-blind placebo lead-in period and a 28-day DB treatment period. The primary endpoint was the change from baseline in the 12-h reflective total nasal symptom score (rTNSS) for the entire 28-day study period of 0.15% AZE, two sprays per nostril BID compared to the placebo. The efficacy and safety of 0.15% AZE were compared to the placebo.ResultsLeast square (LS) mean improvement from baseline in the morning (AM) and evening (PM) combined rTNSS was statistically significant for the 0.15% AZE group (p = 0.04) compared to the placebo group. LS mean improvement from baseline in the AM and PM combined rTNSS was 4.10 (4.26) units for 0.15% AZE and 3.81 (3.99) for 0.10% AZE. For individual symptoms, there was a statistically significant change in the LS mean (p = 0.04) improvement from baseline on the 12-h reflective assessment for the 0.15% AZE group for runny nose. Further numerical improvements were shown for itchy nose, nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing compared to the placebo. No deaths or serious adverse events related to the study medication were reported.ConclusionThe present formulation of 0.15% AZE is safe and effective in relieving PAR symptoms. It effectively relieves nasal and non-nasal symptoms.
Clinical Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT00712920.
Evaluating a systematic intensive therapy using continuous glucose monitoring and intermittent scanning glucose monitoring in clinical diabetes care: a protocol for a multi-center randomized clinical trial
Authors: Ólafsdóttir Arndís F. , Lind Marcus 
Published: October 2023

IntroductionAs many people with type 1 diabetes find it hard to reach the recommended glycemic goals, even with CGM, this study aims to determine if a closer, digitally supported collaboration on interpreting CGM data together with a diabetes nurse can improve glycemic control.Methods and analysisA total of 120 individuals, 18 years and older and with HbA1c ≥ 58 mmol/mol will be included in the study at 8 different sites in Sweden and Norway. To be included, the participants must use a CGM or isCGM and be able to upload the data to the appropriate online service for their clinic and sensor. Both those with insulin pumps and insulin pens will be included in the study. Participants will be randomized into two different groups, that is, the intensive therapy group and the control group. The intensive therapy group will upload their glucose data weekly for the first 4 months and have telephone contact with their diabetes care team to receive support in interpreting CGM data and taking appropriate actions if their mean blood glucose level is above 8.4 mmol/L. After the 4-month-long intensive treatment phase, both randomized groups will have the same number of clinical visits and receive the same type of diabetes support.DiscussionIt is of great importance to find new ways to help people with type 1 diabetes manage their condition as well as they can to help them achieve better glycemic control so that hopefully more people can achieve the recommended glycemic goals, which are associated with fewer diabetes complications. If it is shown that people with type 1 diabetes achieve better glycemic control with intensive therapy, then this can be incorporated into clinical praxis as an option for those not currently reaching the recommended glycemic goals.Clinical Trial Registrationhttps://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03474393?locStr=Uddevalla,%20Sweden&amp;country=Sweden&amp;distance=50&amp;cond=Diabetes&amp;aggFilters=ages:adult%20older&amp;state=V%C3%A4stra%20G%C3%B6taland%20County&amp;city=Uddevalla&amp;page=4&amp;rank=34, identifier 03474393.
Lactate dehydrogenase predicts disease progression outcome in COVID-19 patients treated with Azvudine
Authors: Mao Manyun , Dian Yating , Sun Yuming , Chen Wangqing , Zhu Wu , Deng Guangtong 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundAzvudine has been approved in China for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. Previous studies have suggested a correlation between high levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and the severity of COVID-19. However, the impact of LDH levels in COVID-19 patients receiving Azvudine treatment remains unclear.MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed the data of 351 hospitalized COVID-19 patients who were consecutively treated with Azvudine, with or without high LDH levels. The clinical features, treatment strategies and prognosis data were collected and analyzed.ResultsAmong the 351 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 treated with Azvudine (119 with high-LDH levels), the median age was 69 years (range 58–78), and 213 (60.7%) were male. Common symptoms included cough (86.0%), expectoration (73.5%), fever (69.8%), polypnea (47.6%) and poor appetite (46.4%). Patients with high LDH levels exhibited significantly elevated leucocyte and neutrophil counts, elevated level of myocardial enzymes, as well as higher levels of inflammatory markers such as interleukin-6, interleukin-10, procalcitonin, C reactive protein, ferritin, and prolonged erythrocyte sedimentation rate upon admission. COVID-19 patients with high-LDH levels had higher rates of corticosteroid therapy, non-invasive and invasive mechanical ventilation, worsened and death (2.5% vs. 0%). The Cox proportional hazard model demonstrated that high LDH levels (adjusted hazard ratio = 5.27; 95% confidence interval: 1.19, 14.50) were associated with a more unfavorable composite disease progression outcome among COVID-19 patients treated with Azvudine, after accounting for potential confounding variables.ConclusionHigh-LDH levels predict a worse composite disease progression outcome in COVID-19 patients treated with Azvudine.
Rare tuberculosis in recipients of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation successfully treated with contezolid–a typical case report and literature review
Authors: Li Junhong , Yu Zhaoxian , Jiang Yingyi , Lao Suihua , Li Dexian 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundTuberculosis (TB) is a rare but potentially devastating complication in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients. Myelosuppression-related antibiotics should be used cautiously in patients with hematological malignancies, especially those undergoing bone marrow transplantation and receiving bone marrow suppression therapy. Although linezolid has become the recommended drug for severe TB, its hematological toxicity is still an obstacle to its clinical application. Contezolid is a new representative of oxazolidinones in clinical development, showing superior anti-infection efficacy, but there have been no reports on the treatment of post-HSCT TB.Case presentationWe reported a patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia suffered from pulmonary TB infection after HSCT. During anti-TB treatment, the patient had a poor response to linezolid-containing regimen, and developed side effects such as gingival bleeding and thrombocytopenia, so the administration was switched to contezolid. After 15 days of continuous treatment, the patient’s platelet increased to 58×109/L, and he was discharged in stable condition. During subsequent anti-TB treatment with contezolid for more than 7 months, the platelets remained stable, and no hematological adverse reactions and no symptoms of peripheral neuropathy were observed. Moreover, repeat imaging showed that the bilateral lung lesions were significantly reduced, indicating a good outcome for the patient.ConclusionThis was the first successful case of post-HSCT TB patients treated with contezolid-containing antibiotic management strategies, which exhibited remarkable efficacy and good safety in this deadly disease.
Unraveling the relationships between alpha- and beta-adrenergic modulation and the risk of heart failure
Authors: Baudier Claire , Fougerousse Françoise , Asselbergs Folkert W. , Guedj Mickael , Komajda Michel , Kotecha Dipak , Thomas Lumbers R. , Schmidt Amand F. , Tyl Benoît 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundThe effects of α and ß adrenergic receptor modulation on the risk of developing heart failure (HF) remains uncertain due to a lack of randomized controlled trials. This study aimed to estimate the effects of α and ß adrenergic receptors modulation on the risk of HF and to provide proof of principle for genetic target validation studies in HF.MethodsGenetic variants within the cis regions encoding the adrenergic receptors α1A, α2B, ß1, and ß2 associated with blood pressure in a 757,601-participant genome-wide association study (GWAS) were selected as instruments to perform a drug target Mendelian randomization study. Effects of these variants on HF risk were derived from the HERMES GWAS (542,362 controls; 40,805 HF cases).ResultsLower α1A or ß1 activity was associated with reduced HF risk: odds ratio (OR) 0.83 (95% CI 0.74–0.93, P = 0.001) and 0.95 (95% CI 0.93–0.97, P = 8 × 10−6). Conversely, lower α2B activity was associated with increased HF risk: OR 1.09 (95% CI 1.05–1.12, P = 3 × 10−7). No evidence of an effect of lower ß2 activity on HF risk was found: OR 0.99 (95% CI 0.92–1.07, P = 0.95). Complementary analyses showed that these effects were consistent with those on left ventricular dimensions and acted independently of any potential effect on coronary artery disease.ConclusionsThis study provides genetic evidence that α1A or ß1 receptor inhibition will likely decrease HF risk, while lower α2B activity may increase this risk. Genetic variant analysis can assist with drug development for HF prevention.
Long-term outcomes of pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect by different initial rehabilitative surgical age
Authors: Ma Jianrui , Tan Tong , Zhang Shuai , Xie Wen , He Yinru , Tian Miao , Tujia Zichao , Li Xinming , Liu Xiaobing , Chen Jimei , Zhuang Jian , Cen Jianzheng , Wen Shusheng , Yuan Haiyun 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundThere is a lack of evidence guiding the surgical timing selection in pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect. This study aims to compare the long-term outcomes of different initial rehabilitative surgical ages in patients with pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect (PAVSD).MethodsFrom January 2011 to December 2020, a total of 101 PAVSD patients undergoing the initial rehabilitative surgery at our center were retrospectively reviewed. Receiver-operator characteristics curve analysis was used to identify the cutoff age of 6.4 months and therefore to classify the patients into two groups. Competing risk models were used to identify risk factors associated with complete repair. The probability of survival and complete repair were compared between the two groups using the Kaplan-Meier curve and cumulative incidence curve, respectively.ResultsThe median duration of follow-up was 72.76 months. There were similar ΔMcGoon ratio and ΔNakata index between the two groups. Multivariate analysis showed that age ≤6.4 months (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.728; 95% confidence interval (CI):1.122–6.637; p = 0.027) and right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery connection (HR = 4.196; 95% CI = 1.782–9.883; p = 0.001) were associated with increased probability of complete repair. The cumulative incidence curve showed that the estimated complete repair rates were 64% ± 8% after 3 years and 69% ± 8%% after 5 years in the younger group, significantly higher than 28% ± 6% after 3 years and 33% ± 6% after 5 years in the elder group (p &lt; 0.001). There was no significant difference regarding the estimated survival rate between the two groups.ConclusionCompared with those undergoing the initial rehabilitative surgery at the age &gt;6.4 months, PAVSD patients at the age ≤6.4 months had an equal pulmonary vasculature development, a similar probability of survival but an improved probability of complete repair.
Field monitoring of vibration characteristics during advanced ductule installation in sandy cobble stratum
Authors: Kang Jiawei , Deng Guohua , Zhang Kai , Shao Shengjun 
Published: October 2023

The sandy cobble stratum presents a high risk for underground tunnel construction due to its low cohesive properties and susceptibility to loosening and falling. The use of Advanced ductule for grouting reinforcement inevitably results in vibrations, and understanding how these vibrations propagate is crucial in selecting tunnel engineering support schemes and responding to accident risks. Based on a bored tunnel under construction in Xi’an, field vibration propagation characteristics testing were carried out for advanced ductile installation. The time-history response and frequency distribution characteristics of the vibration velocity within the tunnel face under sandy cobble stratum conditions were studied, and the law of vibration propagation attenuation within the tunnel face range was obtained. The results showed that: 1) During the conduit drilling process, the tunnel face mainly experienced vertical vibrations, with the horizontal velocity amplitude accounting for only 15%–20% of the vertical velocity amplitude. At a distance of 1.0 m from the conduit, the vertical velocity amplitude reaches 10.602 mm/s, and the vibration energy concentrates mainly in the frequency range of 150–250 Hz. At a distance of 1.5 m from the conduit, the bidirectional vibration velocity significantly attenuates; 2) The vibration characteristics within the tunnel face can be classified into three primary areas: “Loose and Falling” area, “Significant Vibration” area, and “Vibration Attenuation” area. Loose, falling and significant vibrations occurred mainly within a range of about 1.25 m around the conduit. 3) As the diameter of the conduit decreases, the amplitude of vertical vibration velocity decreases by about 20%. By reducing the design diameter of the advanced ductule in a reasonable manner, it is possible to effectively mitigate the impact of vibration caused by the sandy cobble stratum during installation. This can yield a positive impact, curtailing the occurrence of the tunnel’s collapse phenomenon and ensuring its stability.
Case Report: Osteosclerotic metaphyseal dysplasia with optic nerve involvement and progressive osteonecrosis of the jaw due to a novel LRRK1 mutation
Authors: Pieridou Chariklia , Sabir Ataf , Lancashire Jonathan , Liang Yifan , McMillan Kevin , Shaw Nick , Uday Suma 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundOsteosclerotic metaphyseal dysplasia (OSMD, OMIM 615198) is an extremely rare autosomal recessive osteopetrosis disorder resulting in a distinctive pattern of osteosclerosis of the metaphyseal margins of long tubular bones. To date, only thirteen cases have been reported (eight molecularly confirmed). Five homozygous sequence variants in the leucine-rich repeat kinase 1 (LRRK1) gene have been identified to cause OSMD. We present two male siblings with OSMD with a novel LRRK1 variant.CasesThe index case, now aged 6 years, was referred aged 9 months when diffuse sclerosis of the ribs and vertebral bodies, suggestive of osteopetrosis, was incidentally identified on a chest radiograph for suspected lower respiratory tract infection. Parents were consanguineous and of Pakistani origin. Further evaluation revealed developmental delay, nystagmus with bilateral optic nerve hypoplasia and severe visual impairment. Skeletal survey confirmed typical changes of OSMD, with widespread diffuse sclerosis and Erlenmeyer flask deformity of long bones. His older sibling, now aged 12 years, was 7 years at the time of referral and had similar clinical course and skeletal findings. Additionally, he had a chronic progressive osteonecrosis of the left mandible that required debridement, debulking and long-term antibiotics. Skeletal survey revealed findings similar to his sibling. Neither sibling had significant skeletal fractures or seizures. Unlike most previous reports suggesting sparing of the skull and lack of visual impairment, our patients had evidence of osteosclerosis of the cranium. Genetic screening for the common autosomal recessive and dominant pathogenic variants of osteopetrosis was negative. Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) followed by Sanger sequencing, identified a novel homozygous LRRK1 c.2506C&gt;T p. (Gln836Ter) nonsense variant predicted to result in premature truncation of LRRK1 transcript.ConclusionOur cases confirm the autosomal recessive inheritance and expand the spectrum of genotype and phenotype of OSMD reported in the literature. Increasing reports of LRRK1 variants in this phenotype raise the question of whether LRRK1 should be included in targeted osteopetrosis panels. Bone histology in previous cases has shown this to be an osteoclast rich form of osteopetrosis raising the possibility that haematopoietic stem cell transplantation may be an appropriate treatment modality.
Application of X-ray computed tomography in soil and plant -a review
Authors: Ghosh Tridiv , Maity Pragati Pramanik , Rabbi Sheikh M. F. , Das T. K. , Bhattacharyya Ranjan 
Published: October 2023

X-ray computed tomography (X-ray CT) is a non-destructive method of soil analysis which can provide three-dimensional (3D) view, quantitative information of the internal organization of the soil. In this paper, we discuss the potential application of X-ray CT in characterization of soil properties like porosity and pore size distribution (PSD), root architecture, soil phase classification, water and solute transport in soil, and highlight the research during last 10–15 years. Here, we review the recent development of X-ray CT in soil science, use of artificial intelligence and machine learning in image analysis, point out the major challenges associated with its use, discuss few improvements to overcome these difficulties and elaborate the possible future technological developments for non-invasive/destructive soil characterization by integrating X-ray CT with recently available complementary techniques.