Prevalence of Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Trends of COVID-19 and their Aggressiveness among Various Gender and Age Groups Due to Smoking

COVID-19 remains a global threat and many developed countries are still troubled by the COVID-19 pandemic. During first wave of COVID-19, about 23 million people tested positive for the virus, worldwide. Hence, the factors that contribute towards enhancing the COVID-19 burden must be assessed. In the current study, RT-PCR testing method was used for the detection of COVID-19. Specimens used to detect the infection comprised nasopharyngeal swabs. After their collection, the specimens were processed further for the extraction of RNA and PCR. About 60% of sampled patients tested positive and 40% tested negative for COVID-19 infection. COVID-19 prevalence was found to be higher in male patients than female patients. Among COVID-19 positive individuals, 70% were smokers and 30% were non-smokers. Positive cases were more frequent in the age group of 40-60 years. Moreover, only 30% of the patients showed symptoms of COVID-19. Keeping in view the above statistics, it is safe to assume that smokers are more prone to infection by COVID-19 which was found to be more prevalent in men, mainly targeting their elderly population. A major portion of COVID-19 positive patients didn’t show any symptoms. It was concluded that asymptomatic cases of COVID-19 are a silent threat to the worl

The Influence of Board Characteristics on Shareholders Assessment of Risk for Small and Large Firms: Evidence from Pakistan

This unique study examines the alliance between board characteristics and shareholders assessment of risk as revealed in the volatility of stock returns for Pakistani listed companies. For this purpose, a sample of 30 manufacturing companies is used that are listed on Karachi Stock Exchange for the period of 2004 to 2013.  The study uses panel data analysis and reports that random effect model is the best results yielding method. Our hypothesis incorporates preceding evidence that the small and large firms have spectacularly diverse constitution of boards, shimmering the firms diverse monitoring and counseling needs. It is hypothesized and locate confirmation with the intention of entrenched the large firms are able to produce affirmative net benefits, in the appearance of lesser risk, form board independence, gender diversity and director ownership. On the other hand the finding of this study showed the board size is negatively associated with the shareholder assessment of risk for large firms and the positive associated with the assessment of risk for small firms. The CEO duality is positive associated with the assessment of risk for large and negative associated amid assessment of risk for small firms. The results have insinuation for regulatory authorities, shareholders and directors to take steps to improve the board competanices for better performance. Keywords: Board Characteristics, Shareholders Assessment of Risk, Panel Data Analysis, Karachi Stock Exchange JEL Classifications: G32, G34, G38

A comparative study of serological diagnosis of Dengue outbreak 2019

Purpose: The interpretation & correlation of the different laboratory parameters in positive dengue cases in order to evaluate that which laboratory test is more significant for diagnosis of Dengue. Methods: Prospective examination of samples (patients\u2019 serum) for dengue virus of different genotype by using multiplex anti-dengue IgM, IgG. We have done NS-1 test by (ICT) immunochromatographic devices, and complete blood picture (CBC) by Sysmex XP-100. Result: Detection of Viral RNA in 100 patients showed effects in the total of 73 (73.0%) samples. This graphical comparison shows the whole positive cases including dengue NS-I antigen, dengue serology (IgM & IgG), total 62 positive cases of NS-I are detected, 10 positive cases of dengue IgM and 9 positive cases of IgG detected, in which Complete Blood Test (CBC) shows remarkable reduction in Platelets (32 cases) and Leucopenia in (24 positive cases). Conclusion: In this research, it is concluded that the diagnosis of dengue cases is preliminary limited to initial stages i.e. CBC or sometimes dengue NS-I, as dengue IgM severity is more effective than that of Dengue NS-I & IgG. Many patients who had negative results in CBC and NS-1 testing, became positive when IgM and IgG serology testing has been done

Graphene: The Material of Today and Tomorrow

Graphene has astounding aptitudes owing to its unique band structure characteristics outlining its enhanced electrical capabilities for a material with the highest characteristic mobility known to exist at room temperature. Graphene, one-atom-thick, a planar sheet of carbon atoms densely packed in a honeycomb crystal lattice, has grabbed considerable attention due to its exceptional electronic and optoelectronic properties. Reported properties and applications of this two-dimensional form of carbon structure have opened up new opportunities for the future devices and application in various fields. Though graphene is recognized as one of the best electronic materials, synthesizing single sheet of graphene has been less explored. This review article aims to present an overview of the progression of research in graphene, in the area of synthesis, properties and applications. Wherever applicable, the limitations of present knowledge base and future research directions have also been discusse

Combined experimental and theoretical study of poly(aniline-co-pyrrole) oligomer

Quantum mechanical calculations are performed to establish the structure of an oligomer of aniline and pyrrole [Poly(Ani-co-Py)], through comparison of experimental and theoretically calculated properties, including conductivity. The copolymer was synthesized through chemical oxidative polymerization and then confirmed from the experimental IR, UV-vis, mass spectra, elemental, XRD, TGA, and SEM analysis. Quantum mechanical calculations are performed at Density Functional Theory (DFT) and Time dependent DFT (TD-DFT) methods for the electronic and spectroscopic properties of the oligomer. A very nice correlation is found between the theory and experiment which consequences the structure of Poly(Ani-co-Py). Poly(Ani-co-Py) is not explored like other conducting polymers; however, by tuning this molecular structure, the electro-active nature of this material can be enhanced adequately

Comparative immunocompetence and interspecies transmission of avian orthoavulavirus-1 in feral birds originating from rural and urban settings

Feral birds residing close to urban settings exhibit higher immunocompetence against environmental pathogens than their counterparts in rural areas. In this study, we comprehensively evaluated the immunocompetence of five specific feral bird species and investigated the potential for interspecies transmission and pathogenicity of Avian orthoavulavirus-1 (AOAV-1) originating from the Anseriformes order. The immunocompetence assessment involved administering the phytohemagglutinin (PHA) test to individual groups of birds from rural and urban settings, measuring patagium thickness at specific time intervals (12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 h) following the administration of 0.1 mL (1 mg/mL) of PHA. Urban birds displayed significantly enhanced mean swelling responses, particularly urban pigeons, which exhibited a significant difference in patagium thickness at all-time intervals except for 24 h (p = 0.000, p = 0.12). Similarly, rural and urban quails and crows showed substantial differences in patagium thickness at all-time intervals except for 12 h (p = 0.542, p = 0.29). For the assessment of interspecies transmission potential and pathogenicity, each feral bird group was separately housed with naive broiler birds (n = 10 each) and challenged with a velogenic strain of AOAV-1 isolate (Mallard-II/UVAS/Pak/2016) at a dose of 1 mL (10 EID /mL). Urban birds demonstrated higher resistance to the virus compared to their rural counterparts. These findings highlight the specific immunocompetence of feral bird species and their potential contributions to AOAV-1 transmission and pathogenicity. Continuous monitoring, surveillance, and strict implementation of biosafety and biosecurity measures are crucial for effectively controlling AOAV-1 spillover to the environment and wild bird populations in resource-limited settings, particularly Pakistan

Case report: A novel de novo loss of function variant in the DNA-binding domain of TBX2 causes severe osteochondrodysplasia

Background: T-box family members are transcription factors characterized by highly conserved residues corresponding to the DNA-binding domain known as the T-box. TBX2 has been implicated in several developmental processes, such as coordinating cell fate, patterning, and morphogenesis of a wide range of tissues and organs, including lungs, limbs, heart, kidneys, craniofacial structures, and mammary glands.Methods: In the present study, we have clinically and genetically characterized a proband showing a severe form of chondrodysplasia with developmental delay. Whole-exome sequencing (WES), Sanger sequencing, and 3D protein modeling were performed in the present investigation.Results: Whole-exome sequencing revealed a novel nonsense variant (c.529A>T; p.Lys177*; NM_005994.4) in TBX2. 3D-TBX2 protein modeling revealed a substantial reduction of the mutated protein, which might lead to a loss of function (LOF) or nonsense-mediated decay (NMD).Conclusion: This study has not only expanded the mutation spectrum in the gene TBX2 but also facilitated the diagnosis and genetic counseling of related features in affected families

Burnout among surgeons before and during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: an international survey

Background: SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has had many significant impacts within the surgical realm, and surgeons have been obligated to reconsider almost every aspect of daily clinical practice. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study reported in compliance with the CHERRIES guidelines and conducted through an online platform from June 14th to July 15th, 2020. The primary outcome was the burden of burnout during the pandemic indicated by the validated Shirom-Melamed Burnout Measure. Results: Nine hundred fifty-four surgeons completed the survey. The median length of practice was 10 years; 78.2% included were male with a median age of 37 years old, 39.5% were consultants, 68.9% were general surgeons, and 55.7% were affiliated with an academic institution. Overall, there was a significant increase in the mean burnout score during the pandemic; longer years of practice and older age were significantly associated with less burnout. There were significant reductions in the median number of outpatient visits, operated cases, on-call hours, emergency visits, and research work, so, 48.2% of respondents felt that the training resources were insufficient. The majority (81.3%) of respondents reported that their hospitals were included in the management of COVID-19, 66.5% felt their roles had been minimized; 41% were asked to assist in non-surgical medical practices, and 37.6% of respondents were included in COVID-19 management. Conclusions: There was a significant burnout among trainees. Almost all aspects of clinical and research activities were affected with a significant reduction in the volume of research, outpatient clinic visits, surgical procedures, on-call hours, and emergency cases hindering the training. Trial registration: The study was registered on clicaltrials.gov "NCT04433286" on 16/06/2020

Measurement of the top quark mass using charged particles in pp collisions at root s=8 TeV

Peer reviewe