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Abstract In this report, a new series of mono‐, di‐, tri‐, and tetra‐cationic pyridinium and vinyl pyridinium‐modified [2.2]paracyclophanes as useful molecular tectons for supramolecular systems are described. Regioselective functionalization at specific positions, followed by resolution step and successive transformations through Pd‐catalyzed Suzuki‐Miyaura and Mizoroki‐Heck cross‐coupling chemistry furnish a series of modular PCP scaffolds. In our proof‐of‐concept study, on N‐methylation, the PCPs bearing (cationic) pyridyl functionalities were demonstrated as useful molecular receptors in host‐guest supramolecular assays. The PCPs on grafting with light‐responsive azobenzene (−N=N−) functional core as side‐groups impart photosensitivity that can be remotely transformed on irradiation, offering photo‐controlled smart molecular functions. Furthermore, the symmetrical PCPs bearing bi‐, and tetra‐pyridyl functionalities at the peripheries have enormous potential to serve as ditopic and tetratopic 3D molecular tectons for engineering non‐covalent supramolecular assemblies with new structural and functional attributes.

Abstract A universal approach for enhancing water affinity in polymer photocatalysts by covalently attaching hydrophilic photocrosslinkers to polymer chains is presented. A series of bisdiazirine photocrosslinkers, each comprising bisdiazirine photophores linked by various aliphatic (CL‐R) or ethylene glycol‐based bridge chains (CL‐TEG), is designed to prevent crosslinked polymer photocatalysts from degradation through a safe and efficient photocrosslinking reaction at a wavelength of 365 nm. When employing the hydrophilic CL‐TEG as a photocrosslinker with polymer photocatalysts (F8BT), the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) rate is considerably enhanced by 2.5‐fold compared to that obtained using non‐crosslinked F8BT photocatalysts, whereas CL‐R‐based photocatalysts yield HER rates comparable to those of non‐crosslinked counterparts. Photophysical analyses including time‐resolved photoluminescence and transient absorption measurements reveal that adding CL‐TEG accelerates exciton separation, forming long‐lived charge carriers. Additionally, the in‐depth study using molecular dynamics simulations elucidates the dual role of CL‐TEG: it enhances water penetration into the polymer matrix and stabilizes charge carriers after exciton generation against undesirable recombination. Therefore, the strategy highlights endowing a high‐permittivity environment within polymer photocatalyst in a controlled manner is crucial for enhancing photocatalytic redox reactivity. Furthermore, this study shows that this hydrophilic crosslinker approach has a broad applicability in general polymer semiconductors and their nanoparticulate photocatalysts.

Abstract Over the past decade, molecular‐switch‐embedded memory devices, particularly field‐effect transistors (FETs), have gained significant interest. Molecular switches are integrated to regulate the resistance or current levels in FETs. Despite substantial efforts, realizing large memory window with a long retention time, a critical factor in memory device functionality, remains a challenge. This is due to the inability of an isomeric state of a molecular switch to serve as a stable deep trap state within the semiconductor layer. Herein, the study addresses this limitation by introducing chemical bonding between molecular switch and conjugated polymeric semiconductor, facilitating closed isomer of diarylethene (DAE) to operate as a morphologically stable deep trap state. Azide‐ and diazirine‐anchored DAEs are synthesized, which form chemical bonds to the polymer through photocrosslinking, thereby implementing permanent and controllable trapping states nearby conjugated backbone of polymer semiconductor. Consequently, when diazirine‐anchored DAE is blended with F8T2 and subjected to photocrosslinking, the resulting organic FETs exhibit remarkable memory performance, including a memory window of 22 V with a retention time over 106 s, a high photoprogrammable on/off ratio over 103, and a high operational stability over 100 photocycles. Further, photophore‐anchored DAEs can achieve precise patterning, which enables meticulous control over the semiconductor layer structure.

Abstract In supramolecular chemistry, the pursuit of highly efficient molecular recognition systems holds paramount significance. This study introduces new [2.2]paracyclophanes (PCP) as exceptional guest molecules for cucurbit[8]uril (CB8). This well‐matched host‐guest interaction is marked by ultra‐high binding affinities (Ka up to 1015 M−1 in water) accompanied by unprecedented exothermic contributions (ΔH up to −20.6 kcal mol−1) observed in CB8 binding, rivaling the exceptional affinities of cucurbit[7]uril (CB7), which has until now been recognized as the gold standard for high‐affinity binding in water. The PCPs demonstrate an excellent fit within the CB8 cavity without structural deformation of the host. Our research methodology incorporates organic synthesis, NMR, fluorescence titration, and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) experiments, as well as quantum mechanical simulations, to systematically examine the binding characteristics of fluorescent mono‐ and dicationic PCP guests within the CB8 cavity. This study not only corroborates but also critically reevaluates certain aspects of the “high‐energy water release model” for cucurbit[n]uril systems. Furthermore, the ease of modifying PCP compounds, combined with their superior water solubility compared to di‐ and triamantanes, and their characteristic fluorescent response in forming and disassembling host‐guest complexes, elevates PCPs as promising candidates for the creation of advanced supramolecular CB8‐functional materials and sensing assays.

IntroductionCOVID-19 pandemic hit Bangladesh with relatively low intensity, unlike its neighbors India and European countries and USA.MethodsThe present report included data of 8,480 individuals tested for COVID-19 RT-PCR of the workers and officials from readymade garments (RMG) industry in Chandra area in Gazipur. The present data looked into the clinic-demographic factors associated with the susceptibility of the condition.ResultThe data elucidated the susceptibility of the individuals to SARS-CoV-2 based on age, gender, pre-existing health conditions, and the presence of symptoms. It was observed that individuals aged over 60 had the highest rate of COVID-19 positivity, and men exhibited a higher infection rate compared to women. Regardless of age, fever and cough were the most frequently reported symptoms. Two-thirds of the individuals included in this report appeared to be asymptomatic carriers. The prevalence of comorbidities among individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 was notably higher, and this exhibited a gender-specific pattern.DiscussionAlthough our study provides important epidemiological insights into the initial year of the pandemic among Bangladeshi populations, it can also add value for future drug and vaccine development. However, it is essential to acknowledge the limitations like - restriction of public movement, unavailability of vehicle yielding a selection bias, due to the lockdown conditions imposed owing to the pandemic and the diverse characteristics of the participants. The report emphasizes the significance of figuring out how age, gender, and underlying health conditions impact susceptibility to and transmission of COVID-19, thereby providing valuable insights for public health strategies and future research initiatives.

The relatively rapid expansion of protected areas (PAs) has outpaced their effective governance, monitoring, and evaluation processes, resulting in a knowledge gap, particularly in relation to the impact and efficacy of co-managed protected areas in conserving biodiversity globally. Bangladesh, like numerous other nations, is expanding its existing co-management model to incorporate additional PAs while simultaneously making only limited modifications to the management of these protected areas. Evaluations, however, are relatively rare throughout the world, including Bangladesh, despite their potential to improve PA quality and effectiveness. The purpose of this article is to examine current co-management practices at two sites in Bangladesh’s Sundarbans to identify significant challenges and the efficacy of co-management initiatives through the establishment of a novel evaluative framework. The primary empirical data collection methods included key informant interviews, stakeholder consultation in focus group discussions, and uncontrolled personal observation. Despite significant progress in terms of policy and legislative reforms, many issues remained unattended, such as a goal of balancing conservation and development, increasing locals’ say in decision making, access to resources, and establishing strong institutions. This addition is believed to aid in reconciling the local community and the government. We also need to give more weight to such things as accounting and transparency, income diversification, and showing respect for preexisting social norms. The problems raised in this article are thought to be significant in bridging the gap between management plans and actual management of PAs, not just in Bangladesh but also in other regions of the world that use co-management to achieve sustainability.

Summary: Background: With an impressive track record in expanding childhood immunization and an inclination to adopt digitalization in healthcare service delivery, Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) Bangladesh piloted the e-Tracker intervention in Moulvibazar district and Dhaka South City Corporation (Zone-5) from 2019 till the end of 2021. Methods: We retrieved and analyzed the digitalized e-Tracker data of 114,194 infants born between January 1, 2019 and December 31, 2020, with help from Health Management Information System (HMIS) and UNICEF Bangladesh. Childhood vaccination coverage and dropout rates were determined using a 'Traditional approach' traditionally used by WHO and a 'Conditional technique' with a modified denominator. Using a multiple logistic regression model, we examined the effects of COVID-19, birth-cohorts, mother education, and location on vaccination rates (coverages & dropouts) to aid with informed decision-making by the policymakers. Findings: The conditional estimation method yielded a lower full vaccination coverage during pre-COVID period than the national and global reported coverage derived using the ‘traditional method’ (73.4% vs. 89.0% & 81.0%). As expected, while the coverage has decreased, the dropout rate increased “during-COVID” compared to the “pre-COVID” period. However, dropouts were estimated lower in the ‘conditional method.’ The average age (in months) for getting BCG was higher in Moulvibazar (∼2.5 months) than that in Dhaka (∼1.4 months). All birth-cohorts from ‘the during-COVID period had about 30% lower odds of getting fully vaccinated than those from the ‘pre-COVID’ period. Interpretations: Age-cohort-specific analysis showed a decline in coverage rates before and during COVID, but e-Tracker didn't have enough data to draw additional conclusions. The server only stored the child's gender, the caregiver’s monthly salary, and the mother's education. It didn't track any other factors related to dropout rates. The e-Tracker is an excellent tool for measuring real coverage and should be scaled nationwide. Funding: UNICEF, Bangladesh.

Background: Marker gene polymorphisms linked with the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) have been broadly studied in diabetic nephropathy (DN) patients considering that RAAS is a potential drug target to slow down kidney disease progression. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to determine the link between M235T and T174M variants of angiotensinogen (AGT) gene and DN. Methods: A total of 93 patients with DN, mean age of 56±8 years, systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 141±14, and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of 84±7 mm Hg (mean±SD) were investigated, among whom 59 patients had a family history of type 2 diabetes mellitus. A total of 96 healthy subjects served as the control group with no family history of diabetic nephropathy (FHDN) and type 2 diabetes mellitus, a mean age of 47±10 years, SBP of 126±11, and DBP of 76±6 mm Hg. PCR–restriction fragment length polymorphism was employed for genotyping M235T and T174M molecular variants. Results: Genotype frequencies of the variants M235T (χ2=2.038, P=0.361) and T174M (χ2=2.952, P=0.229) did not show any statistically significant association with type 2 diabetic nephropathy (T2DN) compared to the control. Based on FHDN and family history of diabetes mellitus (FHDM), the frequency of genotypes of M235T marker (P=0.360) in FHDN, and (P=0.886) FHDM; T174M marker (P=0.641) in FHDN, and (P=0.425) FHDM also did not show any statistically significant association with T2DN compared to the controls. Conclusion: M235T and T174M variants were not associated with DN in a Bangladeshi population.

At a great many locations worldwide, the safety of drinking water is not assured due to pollution with arsenic. Arsenic toxicity is a matter of both systems chemistry and systems biology: it is determined by complex and intertwined networks of chemical reactions in the inanimate environment, in microbes in that environment, and in the human body. We here review what is known about these networks and their interconnections. We then discuss how consideration of the systems aspects of arsenic levels in groundwater may open up new avenues towards the realization of safer drinking water. Along such avenues, both geochemical and microbiological conditions can optimize groundwater microbial ecology vis-à-vis reduced arsenic toxicity.

Low cost and low power consumption of transistors are needed for the development of internet of things. Here Chung et al. develop a high performance n-type oxide thin film transistor by introducing a ligand for crosslinking nanoparticles and polymers, obtaining a near-ideal hybrid dielectric layer.

الملخص: أهداف البحث: يرتبط عامل نخر الورم، وهو سيتوكين شحمي، ارتباطا وثيقا باضطراب تحمل الجلوكوز ومقاومة الأنسولين لدى مرضى السكري من النوع الثاني. لم يتم تحديد العلاقة بين تعدد الأشكال في جين عامل نخر الورم ومقاومة الأنسولين لدى المرضى المصابين بالسكري أو مقدمات السكري في بنجلاديش بشكل كامل حتى الآن. تم تصميم الدراسة للكشف عن ارتباط تعدد الأشكال الجيني في جين عامل نخر الورم بمقاومة الأنسولين عند مرضى فرط سكر الدم من أصل بنغلاديشي. طرق البحث: في دراستنا، تم تجنيد 106 شخصا مصابا باضطراب تحمل الجلوكوز، و100مريض سكري من النوع الثاني، و109 من الأشخاص الأصحاء من أصل بنغلاديشي لتحديد تأثير تعدد الأشكال الجيني في جين عامل نخر الورم في الموضع 308 باستخدام التفاعل السلسلي للبوليميريز ثم طريقة تعدد أشكال أطوال الشدف المقتطعة. النتائج: أظهر توزيع تكرار النمط الجيني لعامل نخر الورم -308 ضمن مجموعة التحكم ومجموعة اضطراب تحمل الجلوكوز ومجموعة مرضى السكري النوع الثاني ارتباطًا كبيرا، على الرغم من أن توزيع تكرار الأليل داخل المجموعات أظهر فرقا غير مهم إحصائيا. كما لوحظ أن نقص وظائف خلايا بيتا كان أقل بشكل ملحوظ لدى المرضى ذوي ضرب النمط الجيني. إلى جانب ذلك، تشير نتائجنا إلى أن مؤشر كتلة الجسم وحالة الإقامة للمشاركين في الدراسة كانت مرتبطة بشكل إيجابي مع تعدد الأشكال الجيني. الاستنتاجات: لذلك، يمكن استنتاج أن تعدد الأشكال الجيني في جين عامل نخر الورم في الموضع 308 قد يكون له علاقة سببية بقدرة إفراز الأنسولين المنخفضة وارتفاع مؤشر كتلة الجسم في مجموعات اضطراب تحمل الجلوكوز ومرضى السكري النوع الثاني في بنغلاديش، في حين أن نمط حياة سكان الحضر قد يكون له ارتباط مع تعدد الأشكال الجيني. Abstract: Objectives: Tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, an adipocytokine, is closely linked to impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and insulin resistance (IR) in type 2 diabetes (T2D) subjects. The relationship between the polymorphisms in the TNF-α gene and IR in Bangladeshi prediabetes and T2D subjects has not yet been fully identified. This study aims to reveal the association between TNF-α gene polymorphism and IR in hyperglycaemic patients of Bangladeshi origin. Methods: In our study, 106 IGT, 100 T2D, and 109 healthy subjects of Bangladeshi origin were recruited to identify the impact of TNF-α gene polymorphism at position −308 with a G>A transition using PCR and subsequent restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). Results: The −308G>A TNF-α genotype frequency distribution within the control, IGT, and T2D groups showed a significant association (χ2 = 21.077; P = 0.001), although allele frequency distribution within the groups showed a statistically non-significant difference (χ2 = 1.696; P = 0.091). β-cell functional deficiency (HOMA-B%) was observed to be significantly (P = 0.034) lower in subjects with a variant genotype. In addition, our results indicate that the study subjects’ body mass index (BMI) and residence status were positively correlated (P ≤ 0.05) with −308G>A TNF-α gene polymorphism. Conclusions: Therefore, it can be concluded that −308G>A TNF-α gene polymorphism may have a causative relationship with lower insulin secretory capacity and higher BMI in Bangladeshi IGT and T2D populations, while the urban population's lifestyle might be associated with this polymorphism.

Non-communicable diseases have increased globally, forcing consumers to consider their diets. One of the greatest diets to minimize NCDs is dairy products, but researchers have paid little attention to consumer buying intentions, especially in underdeveloped countries like Pakistan. As a result, researchers in Pakistan looked into how distinct utilitarian and hedonic attributes of dairy products influenced customer intentions. A cognitive-affective attitude approach based on the SOR model was used to construct a comprehensive conceptual model to better comprehend customers' intentions about dairy products. Students at the university were given a self-administered questionnaire. In order to evaluate the hypotheses, a sample of 411 customers was analyzed using PLS-SEM. Results revealed that utilitarian and hedonic attributes positively influence consumers' cognitive and affective attitudes, which ultimately leads to consumer purchasing intention to buy dairy products in Pakistan. This research depicts some unique insights for dairy product producers, marketers, and researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the frequency of non-compliance among the patients of epilepsy and factors related to the presence of non-compliance at a tertiary care hospital of Pakistan. Study Design: Cross-sectional analytical study. Place and Duration of Study: Neurology department, Pak Emirates Military Hospital Rawalpindi, form Dec 2018 to Jun 2019. Methodology: A total of 133 cases were included in the study, which were diagnosed as epilepsy for more than 6 months by a consultant neurologist. Medication and drug adherence was assessed by validated Urdu version of our-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. Relationship of age, gender, socio-economic class, duration of epilepsy, education, marital status and poly-pharmacy was assessed with the presence of non-compliance among the patients suffering from epilepsy. Results: There were 53 (39.9%) patients were females while 80 (60.1%) were males. Out of 118 patients of epilepsy, 59 (44.4%) showed the presence of non-compliance while 74 (55.6%) had good compliance. After applying the logistic regression we found that duration of illness and poly-pharmacy had significant association with the presence of non-compliance among the patients of epilepsy. Conclusion: Non-compliance emerged as a highly prevalent behavior or clinical condition among the patients of epilepsy in our target population. Before combining the pharmacological agents it is advisable to check the compliance of already prescribed drugs used to control the seizures. Patients with long standing illness or those who are put on multiple medications should be regularly screened for non-adherence.

Objective: To assess the clinical profile and outcome of patients admitted with the diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis (TBM) at neurology unit of a tertiary care teaching hospital of Pakistan. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Neurology department, Pak Emirates Military Hospital Rawalpindi, from Dec 2018 to Jun 2019. Methodology: This study was conducted on 69 patients of tuberculous meningitis admitted. Demographic profile included age, gender, and the symptoms with which the patient presented. Neurological complications were also documented among the target population. Outcomes included recovery, shifting to intensive care unit and death. Results: A total of 69 patients admitted in neurology ward diagnosed and managed as tuberculous meningitis in the study duration time. Male to female ratio was 1.4:1. Mean age of patients diagnosed with tuberculous meningitis in our study was 34.23 ± 3.915 years. Most of the patients presented with the fever followed by headache. Out of 69 patients, 41 (59.4%) recovered, 22 (31.9%) were shifted to the intensive care unit and 6 (8.7%) died. Seizures were the commonest neurological complication faced by the patients followed by cranial nerve palsies. Conclusion: Fever and headache were common symptoms with which patients of tuberculous meningitis presented in our study population. Most of the patients recovered in the ward but a high percentage required intensive care unit admission as well. Seizures and cranial nerve palsies were commonly experienced complication by patients included in our study.

Objectives: To determine IgG immune responses and hepatitis E virus (HEV) viral load, and to explore the associations with pregnancy. Methods: A total of 121 HEV-infected women (57 pregnant, 64 non-pregnant) were analysed. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) was done for 78 HEV IgM-positive patients to determine viral load, and Sanger sequencing was performed for 62 HEV-RNA-positive patients to confirm genotyping. ELISA was conducted to determine HEV antibody and avidity indices. Results: The HEV genotype was identified as variant 1. Significant negative correlations were observed between log HEV copy number and log hepatitis E virus IgG antibody index in the late acute phase of jaundice for both pregnant women (r = −0.7971, p = 0.0002) and non-pregnant women (r = −0.9117, p = 0.0002). Pregnant women had significantly higher serum log viral copy numbers and lower IgG antibody indices than non-pregnant women in the late acute phase of HEV-induced jaundice (p = 0.0196 and p = 0.0303, respectively). Moreover, pregnant women with acute HEV hepatitis had higher cross-reactive IgG antibodies compared to the non-pregnant women (p = 0.0017). Five patients with HEV hepatitis died, of whom four were pregnant. Conclusions: Pregnancy might be associated with higher viral loads and a lower IgG response in the HEV-induced late acute phase of jaundice.

Abstract Background We aimed to determine the prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and pre‐diabetes (pre‐DM) among patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) in Bangladesh. We also examined the association between type of TB and hyperglycaemia as an adjunct to the primary objective. Materials and Methods This cross‐sectional analytical study recruited 350 TB patients (175 PTB and 175 EPTB) from two tertiary care hospitals specialized for TB treatment. Oral glucose tolerance tests and fasting plasma glucose measurements were carried out for unknown glycaemic status and those with previously known diabetes, respectively. Results Overall, the prevalence of T2D and pre‐DM was 19.1% (new 85.1%, old 14.9%) and 34.3%, respectively. Although the risk factors were highly prevalent among the patients with EPTB, a higher proportion of T2D (26.3%) and pre‐DM (34.3%) was detected among the patients with PTB. The proportion of impaired fasting glucose was low in both groups, but a high trend of impaired glucose tolerance was observed across the groups, with a higher proportion (35.4%) in the PTB group. Both pre‐DM and T2D showed significantly higher odds (pre‐DM, AOR: 4.488; CI: 2.531–7.958; p

Objective: To determine the frequency of poor sleep quality among the patients of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and analyze its relationship with the socio-demographic factors. Study Design: Correlational study. Place and Duration of Study: Pak Emirates Military Hospital Rawalpindi, from Jan 2019 to Jun 2019. Methodology: One hundred and fifty patients of Parkinson’s disease were approached to participate in this study. Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) was the psychometric tool used to assess the study parameter for the patients. Age, gender, duration of illness, poly pharmacy and tobacco smoking were corelated with presence of poor quality of sleep among the patients of Parkinson’s disease. Results: Out of 150 patients of Parkinson’s disease screened through Pittsburgh sleep quality index, 85 (56.7%) showed the presence of poor sleep quality while 65 (43.3%) had good sleep quality. Mean age of the patients was 66.2 ± 4.648 years. After applying the logistic regression, we found that increasing age and longer duration of illness had significant association with the presence of poor sleep quality among the patients of Parkinson disease. Conclusion: Previously considered a pure motor disorder, Parkinsonism has a lot of other neuro-psychiatric manifestations as well. Poor sleep quality turned out to be one of these non-motor problems associated with this chronic debilitating illness. Increasing age and longer duration of illness among these patients emerged as independent risk factors for poor sleep quality in Parkinsonism.

Looking at the recent studies, nuclear energy and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions nexus shows inconclusive result. To further explain nuclear energy-pollution nexuses this study is an attempt to analyze the impact of nuclear energy on pollution reduction for BRICS countries covering data for the period from 1993 to 2017. This study conducts advanced panel techniques such as Continuously-Updated Fully-Modified (CUP-FM) and Continuously-Updated Bias-Corrected (CUP-BC) for long run estimation. Our results support the notion that nuclear energy reduce CO2 emissions. Also, renewable energy corrects environmental pollution in BRICS countries. The magnitude of the coefficient of nuclear energy is less as compared to renewable energy, implying that nuclear is less effective in reducing environmental pollution. The findings offer significant policy understandings and suggestions not only for BRICS economies but for developing countries as well in designing suitable nuclear energy-growth-carbon policies.

Objective: To investigate the environmental factors associated with enteric diseases among children in coastal Bangladesh. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted between July 2018 and November 2018, enrolling 59 preschool children from Nabipur village in Bhola district and Paikgacha village in Khulna district. Keraniganj in Dhaka district was selected as a control village for comparison. A self-administered semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data, including health information (height, weight, food habits, and hygiene practices), age and history of medication. Food, water and stool samples were also collected from the participants. Results: Children in coastal zones experience an average of 6 episodes per year as compared to 3 diarrhea episodes in Dhaka. The salinity of drinking water varied significantly across the study sites (480±30 ppm in Bhola, 450±36 ppm Khulna, 180±17 ppm in Dhaka). The coastal children had higher fecal calprotectin levels (67±2.7 ng/mg and 77±12 ng/mg in Khulna and Bhola, respectively) compared to those living in Dhaka (25±1.5 ng/mg). The levels of fecal calprotectin and fecal s100A12 were both positively correlated with the salinity of drinking water in Bhola (r=0.66 for calprotectin; r=0.51 for s100A12) and Khulna (r=0.77 for calprotectin; r=0.54 for s100A12). Conclusions: The study revealed a positive correlation between the salinity levels in drinking water and the elevated levels of fecal calprotectin and fecal s100A12 in children living in coastal villages of Khulna and Bhola in Bangladesh, whereas no such association was found among children living in central Bangladeshi locality of Keraniganj, Dhaka.

The Construction and demolition (C and D) waste generation is a critical issue for the construction industry, which negatively affects the economy, environment, and society. This study estimates the penalty-cost based on the produced C&D wastes in steel and concrete skeleton projects. Field survey and the BOQ data were collected from five concrete and four steel skeleton projects. The difference of materials used and wastes generated between concrete and steel skeleton projects were evaluated statistically (ANOVA and Welch and Brown-Forsythe). A financial analysis was implemented for estimating the penalty cost. The study outcomes demonstrate that the amount of waste that construction managers estimated is significantly lower than the actual amount generated. Furthermore, 0.055% of the total project cost of a penalty was estimated based on the waste produced at construction sites. In the end, the estimated penalty was validated by comparing it with the six recent completed projects. The penalty calculated in this study could save the project cost and reduce the C&D waste. As a result, imposing the estimated cost as a penalty would force construction managers to think thoroughly about the generated C&D waste problems. This study also has a novelty and will add to the body of knowledge by using penalty-cost quantification model to save project-cost of construction material-based-waste, and it can be further explored by adopting more quality data and engaging different construction materials.

Background: Oral mucocele is considered to be a common benign lesion of the oral cavity characterized by fluctuant, painless and is distinct in two different forms, i.e. extravasations and retention. Trauma to mucus membrane or salivary gland is the most common etiologic factor. Case-Presentation: A 27-year-old female patient presented at the dental Out-patient Department (OPD) in our institute with the complaint of a swelling on the right side of her lower lip for the last three months. Management & Results: Based on the history & clinical examination, the diagnosis of oral mucocele was concluded. The treatment plan was discussed with the patient in which she was informed about the chairside surgical removal of the tissue under local anesthesia. On the 10th day of the surgery, sutures were removed, the scar was irrigated with saline and the usual check-up was performed which revealed no recurrence. Conclusion: Oral mucocele is a benign lesion, which can be managed with surgical excision under unremarkable prognosis.

Background: Denture hygiene habits are liable to change from one person to another. There has been a close relationship between irregular denture surfaces, poor oral hygiene or ill-fitted denture and opportunistic oral microorganism which leads to diseases like denture induced stomatitis. Case Presentation: A 70-year-old patient reported to the Department of Prosthodontics with a chief complaint of broken denture and pain in oral mucosa. The patient history, oral and denture examination indicated that the patient had denture stomatitis. Management & Results: The patient was advised to have good oral hygiene and anti-microbial gels. After a week of follow up, the patient showed good results with the treatment. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the patient needs to be educated regarding denture and oral hygiene is the most important step to prevent this type of disease.

Abstract Background To assess the maternal characteristics and nutritional status according to body mass index (BMI) at 6–14 weeks of gestation and to examine the relationship between maternal nutritional status in early pregnancy and its impact on neonatal birth weight. Methods The investigation was conducted from April 2011 to June 2012 in Dhaka, Bangladesh. A total of 498 primigravida pregnant women participated in the study; women with known diabetes or previous gestational diabetes (GDM) were excluded. Maternal demographic details, pregnancy history and anthropometric measurements were obtained from the mother at the recruitment (6–14 weeks), 2nd visit between 24 and 28 week of gestation and 3rd visit at delivery. Cord venous blood samples of newborns (n = 138) were collected immediately after delivery for blood glucose, insulin, lipid profile, leptin and micronutrients including serum folate, ferritin, homocysteine, vitamin D, and vitamin B12. Results The prevalence at 6–14 weeks of pregnancy of anemia (Hb, 15 μmol/l), folate deficiency (

Abstract Objective The etiology of Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS) remains enigmatic, although genetic and environmental factors are speculated to be associated with this autoimmune condition. We investigated whether polymorphisms and the haplotype structures of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐DQB1 gene relate to the autoimmune response to infection and affect the development of GBS. Methods HLA‐DQB1 polymorphic alleles (*0201, *030x, *0401, *050x, *060x) were determined for 151 Bangladeshi patients with GBS and 151 ethnically matched healthy controls using sequence‐specific polymerase chain reaction. Pairwise linkage disequilibrium (LD) and haplotype patterns were analyzed based on D ́statistics and the genotype package in R statistics, respectively. Association studies were conducted using Fisher's exact test and logistic regression analysis. The Bonferroni method was applied to correct for multiple comparisons, whereby the P‐value was multiplied with the number of comparisons and denoted as Pc (Pc, P corrected). Results No associations were observed between HLA‐DQB1 alleles and susceptibility to disease in the comparison between GBS patients and healthy subjects. Haplotype 9 (DQB1*0303‐*0601) tended to be less frequent among patients with GBS than healthy controls (P = 0.006, OR = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.30–0.82; Pc = 0.06). Haplotype 5 (DQB1*0501‐*0602) and the DQB1*0201 alleles were more frequent in the Campylobacter jejuni‐triggered axonal variant of GBS (P = 0.024, OR = 4.06, 95% CI = 1.25–13.18; Pc = 0.24) and demyelinating subtype (P = 0.027, OR = 2.68, 95% CI = 1.17–6.17; Pc = 0.35), though these associations were not significant after Bonferroni correction. Interpretation This study indicates that HLA‐DQB1 polymorphisms are not associated with susceptibility to GBS. In addition, these genetic markers did not influence the clinical features or serological subgroup in patients with C. jejuni‐triggered axonal variant of GBS.

Abstract Modular synthesis of structurally diverse functionalized azobiphenyls and azoterphenyls for the realization of optically switchable materials has been described. The corresponding synthesis of azobiphenyls and azoterphenyls by stepwise Mills/Suzuki‐Miyaura cross‐coupling reaction, proceeds with high yields and provides facile access to a library of functionalized building blocks. The synthetic methods described herein allow combining several distinct functional groups within a single unit, each intended for a specific task, such as 1) the −N=N− azobenzene core as a photoswitchable moiety, 2) aryls and heteroaryls, functionalized with carboxylic acids or pyridine at its peripheries, as coordinating moieties and 3) varying substitution, size and length of the backbone for adaptability to specific applications. These specifically designed azobiphenyls and azoterphenyls provide modular bricks, potentially useful for the assembly of a variety of polymers, molecular containers and coordination networks, offering a high degree of molecular functionality. Once integrated into materials, the azobenzene system, as a side group on the organic linker backbone, can be exploited for remotely controlling the structural, mechanical or physical properties, thus being applicable for a broad variety of ‘smart’ applications.

الملخص: أهداف البحث: يستخدم الفطر للحد من ارتفاع السكر في الدم تقليديا. بالرغم من ذلك، لم يتم استكشاف الآلية الكامنة وراء هذا التأثير. ومن المعروف أن أحادي فسفات الأدينوزين المنشط البروتين كيناز يخفض من ارتفاع السكر في الدم من خلال مسار الأنسولين- المستقل. تهدف هذه الدراسة لمراقبة تأثير مسحوق فطر المحار على فسفرة أحادي فسفات الأدينوزين المنشط البروتين كيناز واستخراج مراسل الحمض النووي الريبي لناقل الجلوكوز النوع الرابع في الفئران المصابة بداء السكري. طرق البحث: تم استخدام فئران ايفانز الطويلة لإستحداث فئران مصابة بداء السكري النوع ٢ من خلال تحريض الستربتوزوتوسين داخل الصفاق. تمت إضافة ٥٪ مسحوق فطر المحار مع التغذية المعتادة للفئران لمدة ٨ أسابيع متوالية. بعد ذلك، تم ذبح الفئران. واستخراج الحمض النووي الريبي بواسطة كاشف ترايزول، وتم استخلاص البروتينات من أنسجة مختلفة مع تحلل العازلة ريبا. كما تم قياس استخراج مراسل الحمض النووي الريبي لناقل الجلوكوز النوع الرابع من خلال تقنيات تفاعل البوليميراز المتسلسل للحمض النووي الريبوزي منقوص الأكسجين، وتم تحديد فسفرة أحادي فسفات الأدينوزين المنشط البروتين كيناز بواسطة النشاف الغربي. تم قياس كثافة شريط منتجات تفاعل البلمرة المتسلسل والبروتينات باستخدام برنامج جيه للصور. النتائج: مكملات مسحوق فطر المحار لمدة ٨ أسابيع نتج عنه انخفاض مستوى السكر في دم الفئران المصابة بداء السكري النوع ٢ من خلال تحريض الستربتوزوتوسين داخل الصفاق. مستويات فسفرة أحادي فسفات الأدينوزين المنشط البروتين كيناز، كنسبة إلى بيتا-الاكتين، ارتفعت في العضلات والأنسجة الدهنية عند الفئران المصابة بداء السكري النوع ٢ المعالجة بالفطر، بالمقارنة بفئران مجموعة التحكم. ارتفع استخراج ناقل الجلوكوز النوع الرابع، كنسبة إلى جليسرالديهيد ٣-فوسفات ديهيدروجينيز، بشكل ملحوظ في كل من العضلات والأنسجة الدهنية للفئران المصابة بداء السكري المعالجة بالفطر. الاستنتاجات: قد يقلل فطر المحار من ارتفاع السكر في الدم من خلال زيادة فسفرة أحادي فسفات الأدينوزين المنشط البروتين كيناز وأيضا استخراج ناقل الجلوكوز النوع الرابع في العضلات والأنسجة الدهنية. Abstract: Objectives: Traditionally, mushrooms have been used to reduce hyperglycaemia. However, the mechanism underlying this effect has not yet been explored. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is known to reduce hyperglycaemia through an insulin-independent pathway. This study aimed to observe the effect of oyster mushroom powder (OMP) on phosphorylation of AMPK (p-AMPK) and expression of GLUT4 mRNA in diabetic model rats. Methods: Long-Evans rats were used to develop type 2 diabetic model rats through intraperitoneal induction of streptozotocin (STZ). OMP was supplemented at 5% with the usual feed of rats for 8 consecutive weeks. Then, the rats were sacrificed. RNA was extracted by the TRIzol reagent, and proteins were extracted from different tissues with RIPA lysis buffer. Expression of GLUT4 mRNA was measured through cDNA-PCR techniques, and p-AMPK was detected using western blotting. The band intensities of the PCR products and proteins were measured using Image J software. Results: Supplementation of OMP for 8 weeks resulted in a reduction of the serum glucose level in STZ-induced, type 2 diabetic model rats. The levels of p-AMPK, as a ratio relative to β-actin, increased in the muscle and adipose tissues of mushroom-treated type 2 diabetic model rats, compared to those in control diabetic model rats. Expression of GLUT4, as a ratio relative to GAPDH, increased significantly in both the muscle and adipose tissues of mushroom-treated diabetic rats. Conclusion: Oyster mushroom may decrease hyperglycaemia through increased p-AMPK and also expression of GLUT4 in the muscle and adipose tissues. الكلمات المفتاحية: أحادي فسفات الأدينوزين المنشط البروتين كيناز, ناقل الجلوكوز النوع الرابع, ارتفاع السكر في الدم, فطر المحار, Keywords: AMP-activated protein kinase, Glucose transporter 4, Hyperglycaemia, Oyster mushroom

Six luminophores bearing an OBO-fused benzo[fg]tetracene core as an electron acceptor were designed and synthesized. The molecular structures of three molecules (PXZ-OBO, 5PXZ-OBO, 5DMAC-OBO) were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies and revealed significant torsion between the donor moieties and the OBO acceptor with dihedral angles between 75.5 and 86.2°. Photophysical studies demonstrate that blue and deep blue emission can be realized with photoluminescence maxima (λPL) ranging from 415 to 480 nm in mCP films. The emission energy is modulated by simply varying the strength of the donor heterocycle, the number of donors, and their position relative to the acceptor. Although the DMAC derivatives show negligible delayed emission because of their large singlet-triplet excited state energy difference, ΔEST, PXZ-based molecules, especially PXZ-OBO with an experimental ΔEST of 0.25 eV, demonstrate delayed emission in blend mCP films at room temperature, which suggests triplet exciton harvesting occurs in these samples, potentially by thermally activated delayed fluorescence.

Epoxy asphalt concrete, mortar asphalt concrete and Gussasphalt concrete are commonly used types of deck pavement materials in bridge deck pavement engineering. However, achieving the high-temperature stability and anti-fatigue performance of the deck pavement materials is still challenging. In order to reduce the rutting and cracking risks of the asphalt mixture, this paper proposed pre-coated aggregates grouting asphalt concrete (PGAC) for bridge deck pavement. Laboratory tests were conducted to determine the optimum grouting materials and to evaluate the mechanical performances of the PGAC material. Test results showed that the mechanical properties for PGAC with grouting material of high-viscosity-modified asphalt binder blending with mineral filler were superior to that of GMA-10 used for the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge deck pavement. Microstructural analysis showed that the PGAC had a more stable skeleton structure compared to other typical aggregate mixtures. This study highlights the performances of the proposed PGAC and sheds light on the deck pavement material improvement of both high-temperature stability and anti-fatigue performance that could be achieved.

Warm-mixed reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) technology has been widely studied worldwide as a recycled environmental method to reuse waste materials. However, the aggregate skeleton structure of the warm-mixed reclaimed asphalt mixture is not stable because of the existence of the recycled materials. Warm-mixed recycled semi-flexible pavement material can solve the defects of the above materials. In this study, five different types of open-graded asphalt mixtures containing different contents of RAP were designed, and relevant laboratory tests were conducted to assess the road performance of the warm-mixed recycled semi-flexible pavement material. The test results indicated that the road performance of warm-mixed reclaimed semi-flexible pavement materials has good resistance to rut deformation ability. Furthermore, the materials also had good water stability and fatigue performance. The grey correlation analysis shows that the asphalt binder content has the most significant correlation with the high-temperature stability, and the correlation between RAP content and the fatigue performance was the greatest. Furthermore, the curing age has the most remarkable with the low-temperature crack resistance of the warm-mixed reclaimed semi-flexible material.