Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a sensitive optical technique that is capable of rapid multi-elemental analysis. The development of this technique for elemental analysis of pharmaceutical products may eventually revolutionize the field of human health. Under normal circumstances, the elemental analysis of pharmaceutical products based on chemical methods is time-consuming and complicated. In this investigation, the principal aim is to develop an LIBS-based methodology for ele-mental analysis of pharmaceutical products. This LIBS technique was utilized for qualitative as well as quantitative analysis of the elements present in Ca-based tablets. All the elements present in the tablets were detected and their percentage compositions were verified in a single shot, using the proposed instrument. These elements (e.g., Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, and others) were identified by the wavelengths of their spectral lines, which were verified using the NIST database. The approximate amount of each element was determined based on their observed peaks and the result was in exact agreement with the content specification. The determination of the composition of prescription drug for patients is highly important in numerous circumstances. For example, the exploitation of LIBS may facilitate elemental decomposition of medicines to determine the accuracy of the stated composition information. Moreover, the approach can provide element-specific, meaningful, and accurate information related to pharmaceutical products.

Epilepsy surgery is a well-established treatment for drug-resistant epilepsy, with awake craniotomy being used in certain cases to remove epileptogenic foci while preserving crucial brain functions. We are presenting the first reported case from Pakistan of a 19-year-old woman who underwent awake epilepsy surgery to treat cortical dysplasia. She had a history of generalized tonic-clonic seizures since her childhood and was referred to our clinic due to an increase in seizure frequency. EEG and MRI identified the epileptogenic focus in the right parieto-temporal region. The patient underwent a neuro-navigation guided awake craniotomy and an excision of the epileptogenic focus in the right parieto-temporal region. The procedure was carried out using a scalp block and dexmedetomidine for conscious sedation, enabling the patient to remain awake throughout the surgery. Intraoperative mapping and electrocorticography were used for complex multidisciplinary care. Post-resection corticography showed no spikes along the resected margins. The patient was discharged without any complications and remained free of symptoms a year after the surgery. Awake epilepsy surgery is a viable option for removing epileptogenic foci while preserving vital cognitive functions. However, it is seldom used in low- and middle-income countries such as Pakistan. The successful outcome of this case underscores the need for greater awareness and availability of epilepsy surgery in resource-limited settings. Cost-effective measures, such as using small subdural strips for intraoperative localization, can be implemented.

Aims: Heavy metals are significant environmental pollutants and toxic to life and chromium (Cr) (VI) is one of them being discharged in the environment due to many human activities. The leather industry uses Cr(VI) salt in the tanning process, which is discharged untreated and becomes a source of many diseases. The use of microbes to remove metals is a cost-effective and clean method. The present study aims to isolate local and native microbes for Cr(VI) removal from tannery wastewater and enhance their capacity to bioremediate the tannery wastewater. Further, efficiency in free and immobilized forms was also checked. Methodology and results: Microbes were isolated from a local tannery wastewater outlet and after many rounds of minimum inhibitory concentration, and concentration of 500 µg/mL was found to be that concentration at which microbes could survive, above which they died. The sequencing of 16S rRNA and its analysis showed that it was closely related to Staphylococcus saprophyticus and in the given study, it was named B6. At 37 °C, pH 7.5 and 120 h of incubation, it removed 77% Cr(VI) from the reaction mixture. B6 was exposed to UV to obtain mutant. Exposure of 15 min to a UV lamp gave mutant MB6, which showed a removal capacity of 77% after 72 h only. Cr(VI) removal capacity of the mutant was then analyzed in the free and attached form where coal and sodium alginate were used as solid surfaces. Mutants immobilized on coal showed 91% Cr(VI) removal after 96 h, while sodium alginate showed 58% Cr(VI) removal in 120 h, thus showing coal as a more effective surface for adsorption. Conclusion, significance and impact of study Our present study shows the use of cheap and environmentally friendly methods to remediate tannery wastewater, which is a big problem in a country like Pakistan. Pakistan is the second largest producer of leather but lacks a wastewater treatment facility. So, this method offers in-situ wastewater treatment, which can be further enhanced in different ways.

Introduction: Sexually transmitted Infections (STIs) are major public health concerns reaching an all-time high, globally. In Malaysia data on the prevalence of STIs remains scarce which limits the understanding of STI transmission dynamics and the role of interventions in the control of STIs. The aim of this study is to determine the epidemiology characteristics of STIs mainly from Malaysian private healthcare institutions. Method: A two years (2016 and 2017) retrospective review was conducted on 160 multiplex RT-PCR STI reports from KPJ hospitals, Malaysia. Results: There were 65 (40.6 %) patients positive STIs [male: 21/65 (32.3 %); female: 44/65 (67.7 %)]. The STIs was prevalent among young adults (56/65; 86.2 %) from the central region (46/65; 70.8 %). Females had 1.7 times greater risk to develop STI (20 per 100) and two times higher chance to have multiple STIs (10 per 100) in comparison to male. The single STIs was caused mainly by U. parvum (N=17). In males, U. urealyticum (N=3) and C. trachomatis (N=3) were prevalent, while U. parvum (N=15) was prevalent in females. There were 19 dual infections of STIs which were commonly caused by U. parvum and M. hominis (N=5). There were seven STIs cases caused by three pathogens concurrently including U. urealyticum, U. parvum and C. trachomatis (N=2) and U. urealyticum, M. genitalium and C. trachomatis (N=2). Females from urban communities have higher risk in comparison to males for developing multiple STIs. Conclusion: This study provides an imperative platform for temporal trends of STIs in Malaysia which reflects the health status of certain populations that warrant immediate public health interventions.