Search

This paper investigates the evolutionary phases of a collapsing dissipative star cluster in the presence of dark matter. For this purpose, the minimal coupling model of f(R,T) gravity is used as a candidate for exotic matter in star cluster. The collapse equation is derived from generalized dynamical equations which show the total conservation of energy within the cluster. In this context, the approach of Misner and Sharp is applied to study the phenomenon and differentiate between homologous as well as non-homologous gravitational collapse. The generalized dynamical equations are also connected to modified heat transport equations related to heat flux, viscosity and shear, which deals with Israel–Stewart theory (without removing the thermodynamics heat/viscous coupling coefficients). It is found that shear-free and non-dissipative fluid give homologous collapse. The dissipation of collapsing star cluster provides a relation between tidal forces and density inhomogeneity. It is theoretically predicted that the presence of exotic matter controlled the collapsing mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Systems for disease vector control should be effective, efficient, and flexible to be able to tackle contemporary challenges and threats in the control and elimination of vector-borne diseases. As a priority activity towards the strengthening of vector control systems, it has been advocated that countries conduct a vector-control needs assessment. A review was carried out of the perceived needs for disease vector control programs among eleven countries and subnational states in South Asia and the Middle East. In each country or state, independent teams conducted vector control needs assessment with engagement of stakeholders. Important weaknesses were described for malaria, dengue and leishmaniases regarding vector surveillance, insecticide susceptibility testing, monitoring and evaluation of operations, entomological capacity and laboratory infrastructure. In addition, community mobilization and intersectoral collaboration showed important gaps. Countries and states expressed concern about insecticide resistance that could reduce the continued effectiveness of interventions, which demands improved monitoring. Moreover, attainment of disease elimination necessitates enhanced vector surveillance. Vector control needs assessment provided a useful planning tool for systematic strengthening of vector control systems. A limitation in conducting the vector control needs assessment was that it is time- and resource-intensive. To increase the feasibility and utility of national assessments, an abridged version of the guidance should focus on operationally relevant topics of the assessment. Similar reviews are needed in other regions with different contextual conditions. Author summary: Vector control can play a major role in the control and elimination of vector-borne diseases, such as malaria, dengue, leishmaniases and other vector-borne diseases. However, to reach its potential, national vector control systems should be adequately supported by vector surveillance, community participation and intersectoral collaboration. As a step towards strengthening vector control, it has been advocated that countries conduct a vector-control needs assessment. The authors reviewed the needs or gaps as perceived by stakeholders of disease vector control programs in eleven countries and subnational states in South Asia and the Middle East. Programs for control and elimination of malaria, dengue and leishmaniases had major shortcomings in vector surveillance and entomological capacity. This was a concern because vectors develop insecticide resistance which, if unchecked, could reduce the effectiveness of interventions. Also, attaining elimination of disease demands enhanced vector surveillance support. There were major gaps in community mobilization and intersectoral collaboration. The findings imply that vector control systems should adapt to the changing disease situation and adopt a cross-disease mandate. The authors propose improvements to the methods of needs assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Ultraviolet Radiation (UVR) from the sun is a significant environmental component that impacts on human health. Excessive UVR exposure has immediate impacts like burning and tanning, as well as long-term consequences including skin damage, photo-aging, skin malignancies. The objective for this study is to determine the student's knowledge, attitude and practice regarding solar ultraviolet exposure in Karachi, Pakistan. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was done in Public Sector University; total 361 students were recruited through stratified cluster sampling from different colleges of university. Data collection was done by validated structured questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to determine the association of outcome variables with risk factors and p-value of <0.05 as a threshold of statistical analysis. RESULTS: Most of the students were appropriate knowledge (71%), positive attitude (51%) and safe practice (54%) regarding ultraviolet solar exposure. Almost half (69%) of participants were used sun protective agents. After adjustment of covariate, female gender (OR 2.20 (95% CI 1.29-4.07) (p-value 0.004), significantly associated with in-appropriate knowledge, third year students (OR 2.93 (95% CI 1.01-8.95) p-value 0.048) were significantly associated with negative attitude. Age group 18-21 years (OR 1.75(95% CI 1.43-5.31) p-value 0.003) were significantly associated with un-safe practice regarding solar ultraviolet exposure harmful effects. CONCLUSION: This study found that knowledge level was appropriate but attitude and practice level need to improve for prevention of harmful effects of solar ultra violet ray exposure. The study encourages students to be more aware of sun protection behavior in order to avoid the long-term effects of sun exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increased intensity of floods has become an emerging phenomenon in British Columbia, Canada. Flooding causes significant damage to properties and the built environment. The flood damage is magnified by the unthoughtful location choices for settlements and incoherent land use policies. This has severely restricted the capacity to build resilience to adapt to the unpredictable challenges of floods. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the current state of the floodplain maps that entail the spatial distribution of floods and the associated risks to the communities is paramount. Therefore, the British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) attempted to identify pathways to increase awareness of the current state of the floodplain maps and prepare an updated inventory and its vitality to build resilient communities. The survey results suggested that 38.5% of the communities have created or updated their floodplain maps since 2015, and 62% of the maps meet the British Columbia Flood Hazard Area Land Use Management Guidelines. However, a survey conducted in 2020 suggested an increase in the response rate by 12.8%, which indicates a growing urgency to mitigate flood risks. Due to a lack of expertise and pertinent knowledge, 46% of the communities could not create or update the floodplain maps. In addition, the lack of provincial funding was identified as a key impediment to the floodplain mapping that was experienced by 37.5% of the communities. A schematic perception–action–state–accessibility–usage (PASAU) framework was proposed in this study to confirm the current state of floodplain mapping. The British Columbia, Canada, regions were ranked following a fuzzy rule-based approach to assess the nature and status of preparations for floodplain maps. The result suggests that the Northern Territories, Canada, lie at the low and others are at the medium scale. Communities that scored low were attributed to a lack of funding, in-house expertise, data, and planning endeavors. This study suggested actions for different tiers of the government to make the communities safer and more resilient. The frequency and impacts of flooding are increasing in British Columbia, Canada. The location choices for settlements and incoherent land use policies have increased the intensity of its impact. This stems from the need for floodplain maps that show the spatial distribution of floods and associated risks. The BCREA prepared an updated floodplain maps inventory from 2015. A survey found that 38% of the communities have created or updated their floodplain maps since then. The survey revealed an increased response (12.8%) and a growing urgency to mitigate flood risks. A lack of expertise and pertinent in-house expertise, data, and provincial funding were identified as the key impediments to the absence or lack of updates on the floodplain maps. In this study, a schematic PASAU framework was proposed to confirm the current state of floodplain mapping. The British Columbia, Canada, regions were ranked to assess the preparation status for floodplain maps. In the preparation and updating of floodplain maps, the Northern Territories, Canada, lie at the low and others at the medium level, and a few communities scored low. To make the communities safer and more resilient, a few actions on planning, management, and governance were suggested for adoption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serendipita indica, a mutualistic root endophytic fungus, has gained attention for its potential to enhance plant health and resistance to various stresses. This study investigated the impact of S. indica (strain DSM 11827) on plant growth promotion and the management of black rot disease. This is a devastating bacterial ailment caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris, which affects cruciferous crops worldwide. The experiment was conducted under sterile conditions in a phytotron for 10 weeks. It involved the substrate and seed inoculation of S. indica in a cabbage crop. The findings suggested that S. indica establishes mutualistic relationships with cruciferous plants, positively influencing their growth while simultaneously reducing their susceptibility to black rot disease. Plant morphological and physiological parameters were enhanced by S. indica application. Additionally, bio stress markers were also enhanced in response to black rot disease. Moreover, disease severity was reduced by 27.9% and 18.8% in the substrate and seeds treated with S. indica, respectively. However, our findings did not report any antagonistic effect between S. indica and two pathogens, i.e., Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris and Alternaria brassicicola under the in vitro test, suggesting that the suppression of black rot disease in cabbage seedlings was induced indirectly by S. indica. This study, therefore, underscores the promising prospect of utilizing S. indica to promote crop productivity and combat the destructive impact of black rot disease in cruciferous plants, contributing to more sustainable and resilient agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Private information puts naïve traders at a significant trading disadvantage and at the same it provide crucial signals managers for investment adjustment. These two forces have opposing effects on the cost of equity, and the overall effect is determined by which force dominates. For clinching this effect, this study finds out how investment adjustment plays the moderating role between private information and COE. The study employs data of non-financial firms listed on PSX from 2008 to 2019. Further, the study employs a two-step system GMM dynamic panel estimator to analyze the data. The findings of the study show that companies with a low investment adjustment flexibility known as "value firms" do not gain as much from information incorporated in market prices compared to firms having high flexibility in adjusting investment "growth firms." This study adds to the literature by revealing unique insight on the effect of investment adjustment in reducing the influence of private information on COE and corporate investment as well. JEL classification: D82, G14, G410. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Customers have a tendency of need for confirmation when it comes to product quality and its features so that they are able to get maximum benefits for their money, there is an automatic cost and benefit analysis going on in the mind of the customers while selecting the product. Online testimonials are the most convenient source of fulfilling that need for confirmation which either make a customer trust a brand or vice versa. This study explores the role of online testimonials when it comes to brand trust, it strives to explore various aspects of the online testimonials which contribute in the pre-purchase phase perceptual development of the customer, furthermore Expectancy disconfirmation model was utilized as a theoretical foundation. Data was collected through semi-structured In-depth interviews which were taken from habitual online shoppers of Karachi. The data was analyzed through Nvivo to identify codes, from the codes, categories were extracted, and the categories were refined to extract final themes. The paper identifies certain the tendency of the role of online testimonials when it comes to brand trust along with some elements of online testimonials that customer deems important for decision making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fulfilling the food demand of a fast-growing population is a global concern, resulting in increased dependence of the agricultural sector on various chemical formulations for enhancing crop production. This leads to an overuse of chemicals, which is not only harmful to human and animal health, but also to the environment and the global economy. Environmental safety and sustainable production are major responsibilities of the agricultural sector, which is inherently linked to the conservation of the biodiversity, the economy, and human and animal health. Scientists, therefore, across the globe are seeking to develop eco-friendly and cost-effective strategies to mitigate these issues by putting more emphasis on the use of beneficial microorganisms. Here, we review the literature on Serendipita indica, a beneficial endophytic fungus, to bring to the fore its properties of cultivation, the ability to enhance plant growth, improve the quality of produced crops, mitigate various plant stresses, as well as protect the environment. The major points in this review are as follows: (1) Although various plant growth promoting microorganisms are available, the distinguishing character of S. indica being axenically cultivable with a wide range of hosts makes it more interesting for research. (2) S. indica has numerous functions, ranging from promoting plant growth and quality to alleviating abiotic and biotic stresses, suggesting the use of this fungus as a biofertiliser. It also improves the soil quality by limiting the movement of heavy metals in the soil, thus, protecting the environment. (3) S. indica's modes of action are due to interactions with phytohormones, metabolites, photosynthates, and gene regulation, in addition to enhancing nutrient and water absorption. (4) Combined application of S. indica and nanoparticles showed synergistic promotion in crop growth, but the beneficial effects of these interactions require further investigation. This review concluded that S. indica has a great potential to be used as a plant growth promoter or biofertiliser, ensuring sustainable crop production and a healthy environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Growth and nutritional status of plant are affected adversely by heavy metals while improved by plant growth regulators. The experiment was aimed to explore the ameliorative potential of indole acetic acid (IAA) for toxicity of Pb. Methods: Two varieties i.e., M-8 and MN-92 of mung bean were grown in pots arranged under complete randomization. Fifteen days after germination, Pb was added @ 10 and 20 mg/kg soil as solutions of PbNO3. Indole acetic acid @100.0 mM was sprayed twice at 15 and 30 days of age. Stem length, root length, leaf area and nutrient ions were recorded at physiological maturity. Three replicates from each treatment were evaluated. Result: The alleviation role of IAA for stem length was recorded as 21.46 and 26.14% for low and high lead stress. The root length was compensated to 34.78 and 31.40% for the respective low and high lead toxicity. Leaf area was affected as 18.11 and 17.32% by IAA. Similarly, Nitrogen contents were nullified to the extents of 15.34 and 8.13%. Phosphorus contents were changed as 11.62 and 4.65% while potassium contents were as 10.14 and 19.36%. The rectifying potential of IAA for leaf biomasses were as 7.64 and 7.43%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gradually rising atmospheric temperature is the vital component of the environment, which is anticipated as the riskiest abiotic stress for crop growth. Nanotechnology revolutionizing the agricultural sectors, notably, zinc oxide nanoparticles (nano-ZnO) has captured intensive research interests due to their distinctive properties and numerous applications against abiotic stresses. Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.), being a summer crop, is grown all over the world at an optimum temperature of 28–30°C. A rise in temperature above this range, particularly during the flowering stage, can jeopardize the potential performance of the plant. Hence, an outdoor study was performed to evaluate the effect of multiple suspensions of nano-ZnO (0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 mg l–1) on physicochemical attributes and yield of mungbean crop under heat stress. Heat stress was induced by fine-tuning of sowing time as: S1 is the optimal sowing time having day/night temperatures <40/25°C and S2 and S3 are late sown that were above >40/25°C during the flowering stage. In vitro studies on Zn release from nano-ZnO by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICPMS) disclosed that the Zn release and particles uptake from nano-ZnO were concentration-dependent. Exogenous foliar application of nano-ZnO significantly upstreamed the production of antioxidants and osmolytes to attenuate the shocks of heat stress in S2 and S3. Likewise, nano-ZnO substantially rebated the production of reactive oxygen species in both S2 and S3 that was associated with curtailment in lipid peroxidation. Adding to that, foliar-applied nano-ZnO inflates not only the chlorophyll contents and gas exchange attributes, but also the seeds per pod (SPP) and pods per plant (PPP), which results in the better grain yield under heat stress. Thus, among all the sowing dates, S1 statistically performed better than S2 and S3, although foliar exposure of nano-ZnO boosted up mungbean performance under both the no heat and heat-induced environments. Hence, foliar application of nano-ZnO can be suggested as an efficient way to protect the crop from heat stress-mediated damages with the most negligible chances of nanoparticles delivery to environmental compartments that could be possible in case of soil application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Heavy metals have their adverse effects on growth and physiology of plant. Plant growth regulators help in improving the growth and physiological phenomenon in plants. A pot culture experiment was devised to explore the ameliorative potential of Indole Acetic Acid (IAA) for toxicity of rhizospheric lead (Pb) on two varieties of Mung bean [Vigna radiate (L.) Wickzek]. Methods: Seeds of two varieties i.e., M-8 and MN-92 were grown in earthen pots filled with sandy loam soil and were arranged under complete randomization. Fifteen days after germination, the lead (Pb) was added @ 10mg/kg and 20mg/kg soil as solution Pb NO3. Indole Acetic Acid @100.0mM was foliarly sprayed twice at 15 and 30 days of plants emergence. Physiological parameters i.e., Photosynthetic Rate, Transpiration Rate, Stomatal conductance, Sub Stomatal CO2 Concentration and biomass production in the form of stem, root and leaf dry weights were determined at the age of physiological maturity for three replicates. Result: By application of IAA, photostnthetic rate reduction was declined from 24.61% to 17.78% under 10mg Pb stress and from 55.54% to 27.35% under 20mg Pb stress. Stomatal conductance reduction was declined from 0.56% to 0.28% under 10mg Pb stress and from 3.37% to 1.68% under 20mg Pb stress. Alleviation of Pb stress by IAA for transpiration rate was non significant. Similarly, the role of IAA for alleviation of Pb stress in term of dry weights of stem, root and leaves were non significant statistically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Since the first reported outbreak of dengue hemorrhagic fever in Pakistan, several mini outbreaks have erupted in the region. Dengue virus serotype 3 (DEN-3) was first documented in 2005 outbreak in Karachi. Reports show that serotype 3 is prevalent in Lahore since 2008. Serotype 2 (DEN-2) is the major circulating serotype in Pakistan as it is documented since 1994. We have conducted a detailed study of three outbreaks of dengue virus infection that occurred in years 2007, 2008 and 2009 in Lahore by using molecular techniques such as PCR and nucleotide sequencing of the C-prM gene junction of Dengue virus. Results Through the analysis of 114 serum samples collected over the period of three years (2007-2009), total 20 patients were found to be infected with dengue virus. In year 2007, four were positive for serotype 2 and one sample was positive for serotype DEN-3. In 2008, five samples had concurrent infection with serotypes DEN-2 and DEN-3 while three samples were infected only with serotype DEN-2. In year 2009, one sample had concurrent infection with serotypes DEN-2 and DEN-3 while six were positive for serotype DEN-2 only. Conclusions Our study showed that serotype DEN-2 was dominant in positive samples of dengue virus infection collected during the period of three years (2007-2009). The other serotype present was serotype DEN-3. Genotypes of serotype DEN-2 and serotype DEN-3 were subtype IV and subtype III, respectively.

Abstract Background Current standard therapy commonly followed for chronic Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) in Pakistan is interferon alpha plus ribavirin combination therapy (IFN α/ribavirin) and pegylated interferon plus ribavirin (PegIFN/ribavirin). PegIFN/ribavirin has increased rate of sustained virological response than standard IFN α/ribavirin therapy. Objective of current study was to analyze rate of early and delayed response to antiviral treatment as well as rate of relapse response in patients following standard treatment IFN α/ribavirin and in patients following pegylated interferon treatment. Methods Baseline serum samples of 153 patients enrolled for IFN α/ribavirin and 50 patients for PegIFN/ribavirin were collected. After total RNA extraction, genotyping was and HCV RNA viral load was done. Subsequently HCV RNA viral load was estimated at 4 weeks of treatment, at 12 weeks, at 24 or 48 weeks and finally after 6 months follow up period. All the data was statistically analyzed using fisher's exact test. Results Total 86 patients out of 153 patients following conventional IFN α/ribavirin therapy completed treatment and 69% of them showed Rapid Virological Response (RVR). Whereas 50 patients following PegIFN/ribavirin treatment completed treatment and 80% of them achieved RVR. Total 64 out of 86 patients following IFN α/ribavirin therapy completed follow up period and 53.5% of them achieved Sustainded Virologcal Response (SVR). Forty-five out of total 50 patients who received PegIFN/ribavirin treatment completed 6 months follow up period and among these 70% achieved SVR. SVR rates were significantly associated with RVR (p < 0.001), age (p < 0.001) and gender (p < 0.01) Conclusions Rate of sustained virological response can be determined by factors like rapid virological response and age since they share significant association with one another. More over rate of SVR was more prominent in males than in females.

Abstract Background Interferon is well thought-out as the key defence against all infections including HCV. The only treatment for HCV infection is pegylated interferon alpha (IFN-α) but unluckily more than half of the infected individuals do not act in response to the cure and become chronic HCV carriers. The mechanism how HCV induce interferon resistance is still elusive. It is recently reported that HCV envelope protein 2 interacts with PKR which is the interferon-inducible protein kinase and which in turn blocks the activity of its target molecule called eukaryotic initiation factor elF2. Sequence analysis of Envelope protein reveals it contains a domain homologous to phosphorylation sites of PKR andthe translation initiation factor eIF2alpha. Envelope protein competes for phosphorylation with PKR. Inhibition of kinase activity of PKR is postulated as a mechanism of to interferon (IFN) resistance. Results Present study involves the insilico investigation of possible role of potential phosphorylation in envelope 2 protein of 3a genotype in interferon resistance. Envelope protein coding genes were isolated from local HCV isolates, cloned and sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis was done and tertiary structure of envelope gene was predicted. Visualization of phosphorylation in tertiary structure reveals that residue 266 and 267 of envelope gene 2 are surface exposed and their phosphorylation may compete with the phosphorylation of PKR protein and possibly involved in mediating Interferon Resistance. Conclusion A hybrid in-silico and wet laboratory approach of motif prediction, evolutionary and structural analysis has pointed out serine 266 and 267 of the HCV E2 gene as a hopeful claimant for the serine phosphorylation. Recognition of these nucleotide variations may assist to propose genotype precise therapy to avoid and resolve HCV infections.

Abstract In Pakistan, there are estimated 7-9 million carriers of hepatitis B virus (HBV) with a carrier rate of 3-5%. This article reviews the available literature about the prevalence, risk factors, awareness status and genotypes of the HBV in Pakistan by using key words; HBV prevalence, risk factors, awareness status and genotypes in Pakistani population in PubMed, PakMediNet, Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) and Google Scholar. One hundred and six different studies published from 1998 to 2010 were included in this study. Weighted mean and standard deviation were determined for each population group. The percentage of hepatitis B virus infection in general population was 4.3318% ± 1.644%, healthy blood donors (3.93% ± 1.58%), military recruits (4.276% ± 1.646%), healthcare persons (3.25% ± 1.202%), pregnant women (5.872% ± 4.984), prisoners (5.75% ± 0.212%), surgical patients (7.397% ± 2.012%), patients with cirrhosis (28.87% ± 11.90%), patients with HCC (22% ± 2.645%), patients with hepatitis (15.896% ± 14.824%), patients with liver diseases (27.54% ± 6.385%), multiple transfused patients (6.223% ± 2.121%), opthalmic patients (3.89% ± 1.004%) and users of injectable drugs (14.95% ± 10.536%). Genotype D (63.71%) is the most prevalent genotype in Pakistani population. Mass vaccination and awareness programs should be initiated on urgent basis especially in populations with HBV infection rates of more than 5%.

Abstract Background Hepatitis C is a major health problem affecting more than 200 million individuals in world including Pakistan. Current treatment regimen consisting of interferon alpha and ribavirin does not always succeed to eliminate virus completely from the patient's body. Results Interferon induced antiviral protein kinase R (PKR) has a role in the hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment as dsRNA activated PKR has the capacity to phosphorylate the serine and threonine of E2 protein and dimerization viral RNA. E2 gene of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 has an active role in IFN resistance. E2 protein inhibits and terminates the kinase activity of PKR by blocking it in protein synthesis and cell growth. This brings forward a possible relation of E2 and PKR through a mechanism via which HCV evades the antiviral effect of IFN. Conclusion A hybrid in-silico and wet laboratory approach of motif prediction, evolutionary and structural anlysis has pointed out serine 75 and 277 of the HCV E2 gene as a promising candidate for the serine phosphorylation. It is proposed that serine phosphorylation of HCV E2 gene has a significant role in interferon resistance.

Abstract Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the leading health problem with up to 350 million affected people worldwide including 4.5 million only in Pakistan. It has mortality rate of 0.5 to 1.2 million per year worldwide. Pakistan lies in the endemic region with 3-5% HBV carrier rate in the country. The present article reviews the literature on the treatment response of HBV prevalent in Pakistani population. The average treatment response of Lamivudine and interferon-α is 25.81% and 47.95%, respectively. Peg-Interferon was shown to be not effective against the HBV/HCV (hepatitis C virus)/HDV (hepatitis Delta virus) co-infection. The present study reveals that interferon-α is the most effective therapy available for HBV infection prevalent in Pakistani population. Genotype C & D are the most common HBV genotypes in Pakistan and are associated with increased severity and less response to interferon therapy. This poses a great challenge for physicians and researchers and further studies are needed to describe the outcome of the current therapies recommended against HBV infection in Pakistani population.

Abstract Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a member of Flaviviridae family and one of the major causes of liver disease. There are about 175 million HCV infected patients worldwide that constitute 3% of world's population. The main route of HCV transmission is parental however 90% intravenous drug users are at highest risk. Standard interferon and ribavirin remained a gold standard of chronic HCV treatment having 38-43% sustained virological response rates. Currently the standard therapy for HCV is pegylated interferon (PEG-INF) with ribavirin. This therapy achieves 50% sustained virological response (SVR) for genotype 1 and 80% for genotype 2 & 3. As pegylated interferon is expensive, standard interferon is still the main therapy for HCV treatment in under developed countries. On the other hand, studies showed that pegylated IFN and RBV therapy has severe side effects like hematological complications. Herbal medicines (laccase, proanthocyandin, Rhodiola kirilowii) are also being in use as a natural and alternative way for treatment of HCV but there is not a single significant report documented yet. Best SVR indicators are genotype 3 and 2, < 0.2 million IU/mL pretreatment viral load, rapid virological response (RVR) rate and age

The aim of this paper is to investigate the stability of Einstein static cosmos using anisotropic homogeneous perturbations in the background of f (R , T) theory in which R and T express the Ricci scalar and trace of the stress–energy tensor, respectively. To accomplish this work, we consider perfect fluid distribution and adopt small anisotropic perturbations in the scale factors and matter contents. We develop static and perturbed field equations that are simplified by using equation of state parameter. For the specific models of f (R , T) theory with conserved and non-conserved stress–energy tensor, the Einstein solutions are explored and their stability regions are analyzed graphically. We conclude that the static Einstein stable universe with anisotropic perturbations exists in this framework contrary to general relativity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to investigate the existence of stable modes of the Einstein static universe in the background of f (R) theory. For this purpose, we take homogeneous anisotropic perturbations in scale factors as well as matter contents. We construct static and perturbed field equations that are further parameterized by linear equation of state parameter. We obtain the Einstein static solutions for two specific f (R) models and graphically analyze their stable regions. It is concluded that contrary to general relativity, there exists stable Einstein static universe with anisotropic perturbations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) and Dual Task (DT) training are rehabilitation approaches increasingly used in the care of stroke patients to improve balance and gait, although no comparative evidence has been provided for their efficacy. Aim: The study was aimed to compare the effectiveness of vestibular rehabilitation therapy versus dual task training on balance and gait in posterior cerebral artery stroke. Materials and Methods: A total of 30 subjects i.e., subacute Posterior Cerebral Arterystroke individuals were randomly assigned into 2 groups, group A Vestibular Rehabilitation with Conventional Therapy (n=15) and group B DT training (n=15). Each group received treatment for 45 minutes in a day, 3 times in a week for 4 weeks. Both the groups A and B were also given Conventional Physiotherapy treatment comprising of stretching, strengthening and stability exercises, over the period for 5 days for 4 weeks. Participants were assisted with Wisconsin Gait Scale (WGS) to assess the performance of gait and Mini-BEST test to assess the balance. Mean change score were calculated as the difference between post and pre-test scores and an independent t-test was used to test the difference in the changed scores between two groups. Paired t-test was used to analyse within group differences. A level of significance was set at p≤0.05. Results: The comparison of post intervention scores of Mini- BESTest between Group A and Group B showed significant difference (t-value=2.577, p-value=0.018). The comparison of post intervention scores of WGS between Group A and Group B showed significant difference (t-value= -2.356, p-value=0.028). So, result showed that Group A (Vestibular Rehabilitation) was more significant as compared to Group B (DT training) in both Mini-BESTest and WGS. Conclusion: The result of this study is encouraging to use VRT as a part of rehabilitation protocol by alleviating their gait disturbances, improving balance and gaining confidence of walking with PCA stroke patients as compared with DT Training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Disinfection by-products (DBPs) in indoor swimming pool water and air have long been a critical human health risk concern. This study investigated the effects of several indoor swimming pool design and management factors (e.g. ventilation, water treatment, pool operations, pool type) on the concentrations of DBPs, such as trihalomethanes (THMs) and chloramines, in pool water and air. Two sampling campaigns, A and B, were carried out to measure the concentrations of DBPs under different conditions. In both campaigns, 46 pool water samples, seven tap water samples, and 28 ambient air samples were collected and analyzed. Regression models were also developed and validated for investigating the combined effects of design and management factors on total trihalomethanes (TTHM) and trichloramine. The model results show that pool water characteristics (e.g., total organic content, temperature, conductivity, pH and alkalinity) and management factors (e.g., the number of bathers and sprayers) have direct effects on DBP concentrations. Pool water characteristics such as UV absorbance, hardness, and oxidation-reduction potential and a management factor UV intensity have inverse effects on DBPs levels. Based on the correlation analysis, other factors such as fan speed, fresh air, pool age, and basin area were found to be correlated with the concentrations of individual THMs and trichloramine in both water and air. It was also observed that the concentration of THMs varies with pool type. It is note worthy that the effects of the number of sprayers was quantified for the first time. This study comprehensively assessed pool design and management factors and identified their effects on DBPs, providing indoor swimming pool facilities with useful information to control DBPs in the indoor swimming environment. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Disinfection by-products in air and water were analyzed at five aquatic centers. • Effects of water treatment processes on trihalomethanes and trichloramine were compared. • Correlation of design and management factors with disinfection by-products was evaluated. • Regression models were developed for trihalomethanes and trichloramine. • First time to quantify the effect of number of spray features on air and water quality [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pyomyositis is a common health problem with significant complications and morbidity. Surgical drainage and Antibiotic treatment is the mainstay of its treatment. Proper culture and sensitivity of etiological bacteria is crucial for successful treatment of Pyomyositis. Objectives: To determine the frequency of Pyomyositis and its common bacteria with their antibiotics sensitivity among children presenting with highly suspected clinical features. Design: Cross sectional descriptive study. Setting: Department of Orthopedics and Trauma, Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar. Period: 12 months from19th July, 2012 to 18th July, 2013. Materials and Methods: 156 patients presented with highly suspected clinical features of Pyomyositis were examined clinically and were investigated by Ultra sound and CBC. Those patients who were having Pyomyositis, pus samples were taken for culture and sensitivity test and the data was analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 10.0. Results: There were147 (94.23%) patients having Pyomyositis out of 156 patients. On culture and sensitivity test, 87 (59.18%) have positive growth while 60 (40.82%) have no growth. The most common bacteria isolated was Staphylococcus aureus55 (63.21%) followed by E. coli 10 (11.49%), Pseudomonas Aeruginosa 7 (8.04%), and Streptococcus Pyogenes 5 (5.74%). All isolated bacteria showed more than 95% and 90% sensitivity to Vancomycinand and Fusidic acid respectively while all bacteria showed maximum resistance to Penicillin i.e. more than 35%. Conclusion: Prompt diagnosis of pyomyositis in highly suspected patients, detection of its etiological bacteria and their antibiotic sensitivity tests are very important for the treatment of Pyomyositis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pattern of Dengue periodic epidemics through the years along with sporadic cases of Dengue hemorrhagic fever followed by a severe 2011 epidemic of Dengue fever in Pakistan make Pakistan a Dengue endemic country. To study the entry and evolution of dengue virus serotype 2 (DENV-2) in Pakistan, we sequenced three full length genomes and 24 complete envelope sequences of DENV-2 from the years 2010, 2011 and 2013 collected from Punjab province of Pakistan. Methods: Phylogenetic and Bayesian phylogeographic analyses was applied to three full genome sequences as well as 24 envelope sequences to study the spatiotemporal dynamics of DENV-2 in Pakistan. Results: Most of the DENV-2 viruses from the years 2008 to 2013 formed a monophyletic Pakistani clade in IVb sublineage of cosmopolitan genotype except one 2008 DENV-2 strain. Phylogeographic analysis revealed that this 2008 DENV-2 strain was rooted to India 25.4 years ago with a location probability of 0.88. However Pakistani clade rooted back to Sri Lanka 12.6 years ago with a location probability of 0.57. Conclusion: DENV-2 genotype IV was introduced in Pakistan in two time events. First event was introduction from India to Pakistan in the late 1980s (around 1986), and second event was introduction from Sri Lanka to Pakistan around 2000. The later introduction event was responsible for major outbreaks in the Punjab region of Pakistan, including major 2011 outbreak. After the second Introduction event, DENV-2 circulated locally in the region forming a distinct Sublineage within the IVb cosmopolitan genotype of DENV-2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]