Need For Strict Adherence Research Articles

POLICY DEVELOPMENT THROUGH NORMATIVE LEGAL ACTS IN UZBEKISTAN: ACTORS, PROCEDURES, AND PRACTICE

This article examines the evolving lawmaking practices in Uzbekistan, focusing on actors, processes, and reforms that shape normative legal acts. Since 2016, reforms have significantly increased legislative output, but rapid lawmaking has brought challenges, including transparency issues and procedural inconsistencies. Analyzing data from the National Database of Legislation (LexUz) and assessing recent reforms, this study explores Uzbekistan’s legislative framework, institutional roles, and public participation mechanisms. Key findings highlight the need for stricter adherence to procedural standards, enhanced transparency, and broader public engagement to address regulatory challenges and strengthen governance. Recommendations are made for promoting evidence-based policymaking, improving interagency cooperation, and enhancing accountability measures. These improvements are crucial for achieving an effective, transparent, and accountable lawmaking process aligned with democratic principles.

Assessing the Impact of Technology on the Efficiency and Effectiveness of Investment Banking Services

This paper evaluates the effect of innovation on the effectiveness and adequacy of venture managing an account administrations. It reflects on the way digital innovations such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and data management systems have transformed such missions as securities underwriting, mergers and acquisitions, and client advisory services. By combining these technologies, investment banks optimize their processes, improve precision, and bring in enhanced customer experiences. Deliberating through critical review of literature and specific cases from the industry, this paper explores how artificial intelligence changes the decision-making processes, automates trading strategies, and enhances risk management, while blockchain changes back-office operations by making transactions faster and more secure. Advanced data management tools equally provide improved insight into the enhanced client services and decisions in investments for the banks. Although this brings cost-cutting and operational efficiency, these technologies pose challenges in cybersecurity and regulatory compliance due to the expansion of digital platforms, which provide increased opportunities for cyber-attacks and a need for strict adherence to ever-changing regulations. The paper provides a panoramic view of the current and future role of technology in evolving investment banking.

Assessment of Safety Culture in Recreational Scuba Diving Course among Selected Chinese Colleges: Basis for Enhanced Safety Management System

This research assesses the safety culture within recreational scuba diving courses at selected Chinese colleges, aiming to establish a foundation for an enhanced safety management system. The study not only evaluates existing safety practices and attitudes but also examines the underlying cultural factors that influence safety behaviors, aiming to propose targeted improvements that enhance overall safety and effectiveness. Grounded in Edgar Schein’s Organizational Culture Theory, the research explores safety culture through the analysis of Artifacts, Espoused Values, and Underlying Assumptions. A mixed-method approach was employed, with quantitative data collected through surveys from students and teachers and qualitative data gathered via in-depth interviews with experienced scuba diving teachers. The findings revealed significant insights into the safety culture of these courses, including the strengths and weaknesses in current safety practices. Key issues identified include the lack of availability and non-compliance with standard safety requirements for first aid equipment and emergency aid during scuba diving classes, a gap or mismatch between students' theoretical knowledge and practical scuba diving skills, poor equipment management and maintenance. The study concludes with recommendations for improving safety management systems, emphasizing the need for stricter adherence to safety protocols, enhanced teacher training, and the integration of safety culture into the broader educational framework of Chinese colleges. These recommendations aim to reduce accidents and enhance the overall safety and enjoyment of recreational scuba diving, benefiting both students and teachers.

Organizational and pedagogical aspects of interaction between teacher and students in distance learning conditions

The paper examines organizational and pedagogical aspects of interaction between teacher and students in distance learning conditions. Organizational aspects include the need for strict adherence to curriculum, administrative support, use of modern technology, and training for both teachers and students. Pedagogical aspects include the development of key competencies in students, such as focus, mutual trust, mutual assistance, systematic communication and the use of a variety of learning modalities. An example of the structure of a lesson in higher mathematics ("Differential Equations") is presented, where organizational aspects are discussed, such as the preparation of educational material and the creation of a learning environment, as well as pedagogical aspects, such as targeted learning, mutual trust and mutual assistance, systematic communication and feedback, and the use of a variety of learning modalities. The methodological support of the training session is also considered, including basic concepts and definitions, educational material and online resources.

Antimicrobial Drug Utilization and Resistance Trends in Septicemia Patients: A Comprehensive Study at a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: Septicemia is still among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, especially among patients in the intensive care unit. The right use of antimicrobial agents is central to the successful management of septicemia, but increasing incidences of antimicrobial resistance are a big challenge. Objective: This study aimed to quantify the antimicrobial usage, resistant organisms, and clinical performance in septicemia patients in a tertiary healthcare facility in Bangladesh. Methods: A prospective observational study was done in the Department of Medicine, Community Based Medical College Hospital, over a period of 16 months. One hundred and ten participants with septicemia and admitted to the ICU were recruited. Demographic data, antimicrobial consumption, microbiological results, and clinical outcomes were gathered and examined. Results: Most of the patients were male (54.5%) and within the age group of 31–40 years. Cephalosporins were the most common first-line antimicrobials (13.3%), while macrolides (12.3%) and carbapenems (11.7%) were at the second and third rank, respectively. There were frequent alterations in antimicrobial therapy; in 28 percent of cases, ceftriaxone was replaced by levofloxacin. Patients with resistant infections had the advantage of a longer hospital and ICU stay of at least 1 week (p<0.01). 16% in patients with resistant infections. Conclusion: The topics discussed in this study include the issues arising from septicemia management due to antimicrobial resistance, the requirement of broad-spectrum empiric therapy, often changing antimicrobial regimens, and overall poor outcomes for such resistant infections. Overall, the present results highlight the need for strict adherence to principles of antimicrobial stewardship, local resistance pattern monitoring, and the creation of novel therapeutic interventions. Additional multi-centered trials to determine strategies against septicemia and AMR in limited resource .........

Prioritizing cybersecurity initiatives in aviation: A dematel-QSFS methodology

The aviation industry's growing dependence on digital technologies necessitates robust cybersecurity measures to counter advanced threats. This study integrates the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method with Quantum Spherical Fuzzy Sets (QSFS) to enable precise and reliable decision-making under uncertainty. Key criteria, identified through expert evaluations, include Threat Detection Systems (TDS), Data Encryption Protocols (DEP), Regulatory Compliance (RC), Incident Response Plans (IRP), User Training (UT), Access Control Mechanisms (ACM), and Network Security Solutions (NSS). Analysis using the proposed method revealed that “Regulatory Compliance” and “Threat Detection Systems” are the most influential factors, emphasizing the need for strict adherence to standards and advanced threat detection capabilities. Additionally, the significance of “User Training” and “Data Encryption Protocols” underscores the importance of comprehensive training programs and strong encryption measures. By incorporating strategic management theories such as the Resource-Based View (RBV), Contingency Theory, and Risk Management Theory, this study presents a strategic framework to assist aviation organizations, policymakers, and researchers in developing effective cybersecurity strategies, ensuring the safety and security of global air travel.

Enhancing Command Recognition in Air Traffic Control Through Advanced Classification Techniques

ABSTRACT This paper addresses the persistent challenges in speech processing within the Air Traffic Control (ATC) domain, a field where despite extensive research, issues such as handling noisy environments, accented speech, and the need for strict adherence to standard phraseology continue to undermine conventional language models. Our study employs a hybrid approach that integrates syntactic analysis with advanced machine learning classification algorithms – Logistic Regression, Lagrangian Support Vector Machine, and Naïve Bayes. By mixing and matching algorithms tailored for specific aspects of speech processing, our approach moves away from traditional reliance on a singular integrated system, illustrating through rigorous testing with the ATCOSIM dataset that such a multifaceted strategy markedly improves command recognition accuracy and adapts more effectively to the unique linguistic features of ATC speech. Results highlight the superior performance of Logistic Regression across various command recognition categories, pointing towards a promising direction for future advancements in ATC speech recognition technologies aimed at reducing human workload and increasing automation precision. This paper explores the complexities of the required analysis techniques and underscores the necessity of employing diverse algorithms in the processing pipeline to enhance overall system accuracy.

ANALYZING TEACHING STRATEGIES FOR ENGLISH READING IN JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS AMID THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light numerous challenges in the field of English language learning, including the need for strict adherence to health protocols like school closures, mask mandates, and frequent handwashing. This period required a swift adaptation to blended learning, fostering critical and creative thinking to address COVID-19 issues. This study aims to investigate various strategies utilized by English teachers to enhance reading skills amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic. Transcription data were gathered through observational methods and interviews involving three participants – one teacher and two students. Grounded theory was employed for data analysis, revealing eight strategies for improving students' reading abilities. These strategies include utilizing E-learning (WhatsApp) as a platform for delivering reading materials, employing visual aids like PPT presentations and YouTube videos to illustrate texts, identifying and marking challenging vocabulary in PDF texts, translating sentences using online tools (Google Translate), facilitating oral reading through WhatsApp's voice-notes feature, assigning reading tasks on specific websites or PDFs, engaging in Q&A discussions on WhatsApp, and conducting project discussions via virtual platforms like WhatsApp and Google Meet. This study contributes to the understanding of reading teaching practices for junior high students during the COVID-19 pandemic, thus expanding the knowledge of strategies employed by teachers in the teaching of reading.

Determination of Vancomycin Minimum Inhibitory Concentration in Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus by Various Phenotypic Methods: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has become a global threat, causing nosocomial and community-acquired infections, thus significantly contributing to morbidity and mortality. These organisms often exhibit Multidrug Resistance (MDR) to various groups of antimicrobials. The emergence of reduced susceptibility to vancomycin and resistance further exacerbates the problem, leaving clinicians with few therapeutic options to treat serious, life-threatening infections. Aim: To determine the vancomycin susceptibility of MRSA using various phenotypic methods. Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology, SHKM Government Medical College, Nalhar, Haryana, India, from February 2019 to January 2020. All MRSA isolates were included, totaling 66 MRSA isolates. MRSA isolates were screened using the cefoxitin disc (30 μg) according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) recommended disc diffusion method. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of vancomycin was determined using phenotypic methods such as broth dilution, agar dilution and Epsilometer test (E-test). Demographic details such as age, sex, site of the sample and diagnosis were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using the Pearson’s product-moment correlation. The significance level was set at a probability of <0.05 with a confidence interval of 95%. Results: A total of 66 (30.3%) isolates of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) were identified as MRSA using standard laboratory tests and were studied for vancomycin MIC using phenotypic methods: Broth dilution, agar dilution and E-test. Vancomycin- intermediate S. aureus (VISA) was observed in 54.5%, 42.4% and 51.5% of MRSA by E-test, agar dilution and broth dilution, respectively. The presence of Vancomycin-resistant S. aureus (VRSA) was not detected in the region. When compared with broth dilution, E-test results demonstrated higher accuracy (97%) than agar dilution (90.9%). Conclusion: The present study highlights the emergence of VISA in more than 40% of the MRSA in the region. The higher MIC of vancomycin emphasises the need for strict adherence to antibiotic prescription guidelines to prevent further emergence of vancomycin resistance.

The Principle of International Cooperation and Sharing of Information Principle under International Space Law: Towards Synergy

Throughout the history of the astronautic development, one of the key principles of international space law has always been the principle of international cooperation between States. The States jointly, although sometimes in conditions of competition or in a tense geopolitical situation, systematically moved towards the development of space science and technology, and the exploration of outer space for the benefit of all mankind. To succeed in this difficult task, the principle of information sharing has always served as an assistance to the principle of international cooperation. A striking example of how the two outlined principles are applied is the protection of the International Space Station against a possible collision with space debris. As a number of States consider exploring more celestial bodies and deep space, the importance of the principles of international cooperation and information sharing is increasing. This article focuses on these principles and their complementary roles. The first part of the article provides a retrospective analysis of the principle of international cooperation and the manner in which it is enshrined in international law, including international space law. The second part explores the principle of information sharing as a particular example of the principle of international cooperation. The conclusion of the article is that in current conditions, there is an increasing need for strict adherence to the designated principles for the realization of space activities in general as well as ensuring its safety and efficiency.

Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii infections: Antimicrobial resistance patterns and risk factors for acquisition in a Kenyan intensive care unit

ObjectivesMultidrug-resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter baumannii (AB), especially carbapenem-resistant (CR) strains, presents a significant challenge in intensive care units (ICUs) but surveillance data in many resource-constrained countries is inadequate. Here, we determined the prevalence of MDRAB and risk factors for infection and mortality in ICU-admitted patients. MethodsA cross-sectional study among 132 consecutive patients between July 2019 and July 2020, with infected patients followed for 30 days from sample collection to ICU discharge/death. Blood, urine, and tracheal aspirate samples were processed following the standard bacteriological procedures. Isolate identity and antimicrobial susceptibility were elucidated by VITEK 2 Compact system. ResultsThe prevalence of MDRAB was 22.7% (30/132), mostly from urine samples (12.1%, 16/132), and dominated by CRAB (83.3%) that were colistin-nonresistant and exhibited high multiple antibiotic resistance indices, ranging from 0.64-0.91. Risk factors for infection were occupation (adjusted odds ratio = 4.41, P = 0.016) and interhospital referral status (adjusted odds ratio = 0.14, P = 0.001). ICU mortality was 20% (6/30). ConclusionOur findings underpin the need for strict adherence to and evaluation of infection prevention and control, and continuous surveillance of CRAB in ICU, especially among the risk groups, in the current study setting and beyond.

Clinical manifestations of chronic oral mucosa injury and aspects of cancer alertness in the dental practice

Relevance. Prolonged exposure to various traumatic factors on the oral mucosa may provoke proto-oncogene expression, which means that the dentist’s strategy should strictly comply with the principles of cancer alertness.Description of the clinical case. The article presents the examination data of three patients with various types of oral mucosa trauma, a presentation of clinical cases and cancer screening results.Results. The most common causes of the mechanical insult of the oral mucosa were: chronic biting with sharp edges of the teeth, prostheses and orthodontic appliances, which need to be replaced. Overall, they prevailed in 89% of cases.Conclusion. The analysis of observations substantiates the need for strict adherence to the principles of cancer alertness of dentists regarding chronic oral mucosa trauma, which has a high risk of malignancy.

Survival of Inoculated Vibrio spp., Shigatoxigenic Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella spp. on Seaweed (Sugar Kelp) During Storage

Bacteria including Vibrio spp. persist in coastal waters and can contaminate edible seaweeds. Pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes, shigatoxigenic Escherichia coli (STEC), and Salmonella have been associated with and present serious health risks in minimally processed vegetables including seaweeds. This study evaluated the survival of four pathogens inoculated onto two product forms of sugar kelp subjected to different storage temperatures. The inoculation comprised of a cocktail of two Listeria monocytogenes and STEC strains, two Salmonella serovars, and two Vibrio species. STEC and Vibrio were grown and applied in salt-containing media to simulate preharvest contamination, whereas L. monocytogenes and Salmonella inocula were prepared to simulate postharvest contamination. Samples were stored at 4°C and 10°C for 7 days, and 22°C for 8 h. Microbiological analyses were performed periodically (1, 4, 8, 24 h, etc.) to evaluate the effects of storage temperature on pathogen survival. Pathogen populations decreased under all storage conditions, but survival was greatest for all species at 22°C, with STEC exhibiting significantly less reduction (1.8 log CFU/g) than Salmonella, L. monocytogenes, and Vibrio (3.1, 2.7, and 2.7 log CFU/g, respectively) after storage. The largest population reduction (5.3 log CFU/g) was observed in Vibrio stored at 4°C for 7 days. Regardless of storage temperature, all pathogens remained detectable at the end of the study duration. Results emphasize the need for strict adherence to temperature control for kelp as temperature abuse may support pathogen survival, especially STEC, during storage, and the need for prevention of postharvest contamination, particularly with Salmonella.

Масличность рапса : ботаническая природа , биохимические особенности и пищевой потенциал

The annual rapeseed (Brassica napus L.), a member of the Brassicaceae family, has long been used as a source of technical oil. The development of low-erucic varieties (canola, less than 5% erucic acid) by Canadian breeders in the 1970s made rapeseed a valuable and promising oilseed crop. In the Russian Federation, rapeseed oil, extracted from the seeds of the mature pods of the plant, currently ranks third after sunflower and soybean oil in terms of production volume, surpassing them in a number of biochemical parameters: optimal ratio of ω‑6: ω‑3 fatty acids (1:3–2:1), high content of oleic acid (up to 79.57%), tocopherols (45–75 mg%), carotenoids (0.30–0.57 mg%) and sterols (0.5–1.0%). The high nutritional potential of rapeseed is explained by the availabilityof winter and spring forms, domestic and foreign varieties and hybrids, successful breeding for increased oil content and resistance to diseases, good yields in many natural zones of Russia, profitability of 100–150%, sometimes up to 400% and more, despite the need for strict adherence to cultivation technology, etc. In the fatty oil industry, oil yield refers to the content of crude fat and accompanying fat-like substances that pass from the seeds into the ether extract along with the fat. The cells of oil rapeseeds contain structures, that accumulate free lipids stored by the plant for use by the growing seedling: oleosomes and possibly fat inclusions in the cytoplasm, and plastoglobules in the plastids. The formation of neutral fats is a universal mechanism for “switching off” excess primary synthesis products from plant metabolism. The qualitative fatty acid composition of seed oils of different plant species (in contrast to oils extracted from the nonseed parts of the fleshy oil fruits) is quite similar; the amount of fatty acids and the fat-soluble components extracted with them (antioxidants, vitamins, etc.) is variable. Knowledge of the botanical nature and biochemical characteristics of the oil content of rapeseed will make it possible to obtain maximum nutritional benefits through breeding, agronomic and technological methods.

Конфессиональная языковая личность и аспекты ее репрезентации в бытовых старообрядческих рукописях

The research aims to prove the validity of studying the confessional language personality (LP) by domestic written monuments and to identify the representational aspects and means of the Old Believers’ worldview. The research material is original texts of two diaries (1915–1923 and 1956–1975) and personal notes (1940–1980) written by the Old Believers’ community members living in the north of Tomsk Oblast. The total lexical volume of these sources is about 15 thousand word usages. The analysis is based on the sociolinguistic portraiture method, which involves describing linguistic facts reflected in texts of different levels (graphics, vocabulary, grammar, etc.) and the authors’ personal qualities indicating their religious attitudes. We first examine LPs recognized a priori as confessional, then texts in search for information verifying the hypothesis of analysis in them. This analysis is based on Yuri Karaulov’s idea of the three-level LP structure, as well as the experience of describing individual religious LPs presented in linguistic works by Tolstova (2007), Chikovani (2016), Plotnikova (2021). We revealed all the features identifying this confessional community: marginality, insularity, heightened selfconsciousness, self-sufficiency, traditionalism, eschatology. These features are related to each other. All of them are manifested textually by different means: special lexical items, grammatical forms, graphics, descriptions of people of one’s circle and their activities in the coordinates of natural time and reclaimed areas, or by a hidden polemic suggesting the reflection of only positive aspects of being in this description. The markers of Old Believers’ LP at the verbal(grammatical)-semantic level are lexical items with a confessional meaning (Isus, Rozhestvo, bratets, otche), a wide variation due to bookish and written linguistic means (noshch’, ezero, glagolit’, desnitsa, sil’nAGO, vtorYY), mastery of the semi-uncial writing norms. The traditional values of the Old Believer world (LP’s cognitive level) manifested in records include the affirmation of the equality of all community members; family-like closeness of like-minded people; the recognition of authorities only in terms of spirituality (otche – godfather); the high significance of labor, books, sacred texts; the realized need for strict adherence to all religious canons (for example, the admissibility of only passive hunting, voluntary assumption of functions of community chroniclers). In our opinion, the tasks of preserving the Old Believers’ sacred space that express the writers’ interests and goals reflected in the records constitute the pragmatic (motivational) level of the confessional LP. Although we revealed the three-level structure mainly on the material of two specific confessional LPs, there are reasons to correlate the identified features with the generalized Old Believer’s LP.

FEATURES OF PATHOGENESIS, COURSE AND THERAPY OF PNEUMONIA UNDER COVID-19 (Literature Review)

Having analyzed the latest recommendations of the World Health Organization, the new data from the scientific literature, and current treatment guidelines, the latest epidemiological data of identified different cases of this infection according to epidemiological and clinical criteria were presented. The main pathogenetic signs, risk factors, including inter-individual differences, which can be represented by the host's genetic profile, are highlighted. The main clinical signs and their distribution, classification according to the severity of the disease, features of the course and treatment of pneumonia in human coronavirus infections are shown, including indications for antibacterial therapy and the main criteria of oxygen support.
 The basic WHO laboratory recommendations for patients with acute respiratory infection who have been in contact with patients having a confirmed or probable case are defined. The main hardware methods of diagnosis, modern approaches in the therapy in the absence of specific antiviral agents are presented. The lack of definitive specific treatment for this disease and the future development of such a pandemic remains unpredictable that indicates the need for strict adherence to classic public health recommendations, the importance of vaccination. The outbreak of COVID-19 in this century once again had emphasized the constant threat of infectious diseases spread by pathogenic viruses among humanity and this requires effective global cooperation and a high level of preparedness.

Growth and survival of Listeria monocytogenes during the manufacture and storage of artisanal kefir.

This study aimed to evaluate the behavior of Listeria monocytogenes during the manufacture and storage of artisanal kefir. A five-strain cocktail of L. monocytogenes was introduced (at ca. 3.0 log10 CFU/mL) into UHT milk as a pre-fermentation contaminant. The growth of L. monocytogenes, lactic acid bacteria and yeasts was monitored during the 24-h fermentation period of milk with two types of kefir grains at 20 °C and the subsequent storage of kefir under adequate (4 °C) and inadequate (10 °C) refrigerated-storage conditions. L. monocytogenes grew into much higher cell densities (5.3-5.8 log10 CFU/mL) by the end of the fermentation period, but the final (24-h) counts were substantially lower than those obtained in the corresponding control trials with unfermented milk (7.2 log10 CFU/mL). The growth rate of L. monocytogenes during fermentation differed depending on the type of kefir grain used. During the subsequent 11-day storage of the kefir filtrates at 4 °C or 10 °C, the behavior of L. monocytogenes varied from no growth to further population increases (of up to 1.1 log10 CFU/mL), depending on the storage temperature, but also depending on the type of kefir grain and the grain surface-to-weight ratio that had been used to ferment the milk. This study highlights the need for strict adherence to good hygiene practices during artisanal kefir making and shows that L. monocytogenes can sustain considerable growth during milk fermentation and further grow during the subsequent cold storage of kefir, particularly under inadequate refrigerated storage conditions.

Practice and System Factors Impact on Infection Prevention and Control in General Practice during COVID-19 across 33 Countries: Results of the PRICOV Cross-Sectional Survey.

Infection prevention and control (IPC) is an evidence-based approach used to reduce the risk of infection transmission within the healthcare environment. Effective IPC practices ensure safe and quality healthcare. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for enhanced IPC measures and the World Health Organization (WHO) emphasized the need for strict adherence to the basic principles of IPC. This paper aims to describe the IPC strategies implemented in general practice during the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify the factors that impact their adoption. Data were collected by means of an online self-reported questionnaire among general practices. Data from 4466 practices in 33 countries were included in the analysis. Our results showed a notable improvement in IPC during COVID-19 with more practices reporting that staff members never wore nail polish (increased from 34% to 46.2%); more practices reporting that staff never wear a ring/bracelet (increased from 16.1% to 32.3%); and more practices using a cleaning protocol (increased from 54.9% to 72.7%). Practice population size and the practice payment system were key factors related to adoption of a) range of IPC measures including patient flow arrangements and infrastructural elements. An understanding of the interplay between policy, culture, systemic supports, and behavior are necessary to obtain sustained improvement in IPC measures.

Comparison of Cycle Threshold and Clinical Status Among Different Age Groups of COVID-19 Cases.

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has shaken the entire world ever since its emergence in March 2020. The disease manifestation of COVID-19 has been more severe, with a high degree of mortality in the elderly than in the young population. The cycle threshold (Ct ) value obtained in the real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) has been used as the surrogate marker of viral load. Therefore, assessing Ct value and clinical status among different age groups with SARS-CoV-2 infection is required to understand the viral kinetics and to assess the transmission potential of that particular age group.PurposeThe aim of this study was to compare the viral load and clinical status among different age groups with COVID-19 infection.Methods and materialsA retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out to analyze the Ct values of SARS-CoV-2 positive samples reported from April 2020 till May 2021. The results of 13,820 RT-PCR (reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction) positive samples were included for analysis of Ct values. Ct values of confirmatory genes were taken into consideration, and Ct values below 25, >25 to 30, and >30 were categorized as high, moderate, and low viral load, respectively. Age group was stratified into ≤18 years (young), 18-60 years (adult), and >60 years (elderly). The data were analyzed using SPSS Windows Version 25.0.ResultsThe mean Ct values were 27.9, 26, and 26.2 in the young, adult, and elderly age groups, respectively. The mean Ct values of young patients were significantly higher as compared to adult and elderly patients (p<0.05). The percentage of high viral load (Ct<25) was found to be significantly higher in adults and elderly (44.6% & 43.7%) as compared to young (32.2%) (p<0.001). Majority of the COVID-19 positive cases younger than 18 years (75.9%) were asymptomatic as compared to 64.5% and 59.7% in the adult and elderly age groups, respectively.ConclusionThis study observed a significantly high proportion of viral load in the adult and elderly population, which plays a substantial contribution to SARS-CoV-2 transmission, whereas the majority of the young population being asymptomatic plays a major role as silent transmitters. The study reemphasizes the need for strict adherence to COVID-appropriate behaviors.

Comparison of Cycle Threshold and Clinical Status Among Different Age Groups of COVID-19 Cases

PurposeAim of the study was to compare the viral load and clinical status among different age groups with COVID-19 infectionMethods & MaterialsA retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out to analyse the Ct values of positive samples reported during April 2020 till May 2021. Result of 13,820 number of RT-PCR positive samples were included for analysis of Ct values. Ct values of confirmatory genes were taken into consideration and Ct values below 25, >25 to 30 and >30 was categorized as high, moderate and low viral load respectively. Age group was stratified into ≤18 years, 18-60 and >60 years as young, adult and elderly respectively. The data was analysed using SPSS windows version 25.0.ResultsThe Mean Ct value was 27.9, 26, and 26.2 in young, adult and elderly age group respectively. Mean Ct value of young patients were significantly higher as compared to adult and elderly patients (p<0.05). The percentage of high viral load (Ct<25) was found to be significantly higher in adults and elderly (44.6% & 43.7%) as compared to young (32.2%) (p<0.001). Majority of the covid 19 positive cases belonging to <18 years age (75.9%) were asymptomatic as compared to 64.5% and 59.7% in adult and elderly age groups respectively.ConclusionPresent study observed a significantly high proportion of viral load in the adult and elderly population which plays a substantial contribution to SARS CoV-2 transmission, whereas the majority of the young population being asymptomatic play major role as silent transmitters. The study reemphasizes the need for strict adherence to COVID appropriate behaviours.