Retrospective Cohort Study of Financial Incentives for STI Testing and Treatment in an Outreach Population in Edmonton, Canada, 2018-2019.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STI) continues to increase worldwide. Patient incentives are one proposed intervention to increase STI testing and treatment. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study comparing incentivized versus routine care for STI outreach test and treat services between October 2018-June 2019. Incentivized care included a $10 gift card for testing visits and an additional $10 gift card for results and/or treatment visits. Incentivized visits were offered to clients with a lack of housing, who were difficult to locate, or had a history of being lost to follow-up. All test and treatment visits included chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV testing and/or treatment by Registered Nurses and outreach workers from an STI Clinic. Outreach visits were offered at subsidized housing locations, community-based organizations, and street outreach. RESULTS: From October 2018 to June 2019, 2384 outreach clients were reached: 453 (19.0%) receivedincentives and 1931 (81.0%) received routine care. There were no significant differences in case-finding rates for chlamydia (4.8%), gonorrhea (2.9%), and HIV (0.1%); however, there was for syphilis (3.8% for incentivized vs. 1.9% for routine visits; p = 0.02). All newly diagnosed infections identified in the incentivized group received treatment compared with routine visits (chlamydia 100% vs. 79.1%, p = 0.008, gonorrhea 100% vs. 59.7%, p = 0.002, and syphilis 100% vs. 86.7%, p = 0.08). CONCLUSIONS: Incentives were associated with increased case-finding rates of syphilis and were associated with 100% treatment rates. Incentives are a promising approach to decreasing the burden of STI among outreach populations.

Eco-friendly approach for the determination of moxifloxacin in pharmaceutical formulations and biological fluids based on fluorescence quenching of l-tryptophan.

A rapid, novel and cost-effective spectrofluorimetric method developed to determine moxifloxacin (MFX) in pharmaceutical preparations because MFX in a pH 10 medium could reduce the fluorescence intensity of l-tryptophan. The maximum fluorescence excitation and emission wavelengths were found to be 280 and 363 nm respectively. A range of factors affecting fluorescence quenching and the effect of co-existing substances were investigated. Fluorescence quenching values (ΔF = FL-tryptophan - FMoxi-L-tryptophan ) displayed a strong linear relationship with the MFX concentration ranging from 0.2 to 8.0 µg/ml under optimum conditions. The limit of detection was found to be 6.1 × 10-4  µg/ml. The proposed method was shown to be suitable for MFX determination in pharmaceutical tablets and biological fluids by the linearity, recovery and limit of detection. The spectrofluorimetric approach that has been developed is extremely eco-friendly, as evidenced by the fact that all the experimental components and solvents were safe for the environment.

Ecofriendly Approach for the Determination of Selected Aldehydes by Fluorescence Quenching of L-Tryptophan.

It is a fluorescence-based study to examine the interaction between L-tryptophan and a selection of aldehydes, namely furfural (furan-2-carbaldehyde), 3-hydroxybenzaldehyde, salicylaldehyde (2-hydroxybenzaldehyde), 3-nitrobenzaldehyde, and 4-bromobenzaldehyde. The investigation took place in an aqueous environment, revealing that all five aldehydes induced quenching of the fluorescence intensity of L-tryptophan. By employing the Stern-Volmer equation to describe the quenching process, we constructed Stern-Volmer plots and derived Stern-Volmer constants. These constants (KSV) ranged from 2.87 × 104 mol L- 1 to 5.75 × 104 mol L- 1. Notably, the values of the Stern-Volmer constants varied among the different aldehydes, with the following order: 3-hydroxybenzaldehyde(3-HBA) > 4-bromobenzaldehyde (4-BBA) > 3-nitrobenzaldehyde > furan-2-carbaldehyde > salicylaldehyde. Consequently, our findings highlighted 3-hydroxybenzaldehyde as the most potent quencher, while 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde displayed the least sensitivity to quenching. Additionally, we determined the detection and quantification limits for the investigated aldehydes, resulting in ranges of 3.87 × 10- 12 to 8.25 × 10- 6 and 1.29 × 10- 11 to 2.75 × 10- 5, respectively. This research paves the way for the development of novel fluorescence probe-based sensors and offers valuable techniques for analyzing aldehydes within environmental and biological samples.

False negative rate of COVID-19 PCR testing: a discordant testing analysis.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 is diagnosed via detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA using real time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rtRT-PCR). Performance of many SARS-CoV-2 rtRT-PCR assays is not entirely known due to the lack of a gold standard. We sought to evaluate the false negative rate (FNR) and sensitivity of our laboratory-developed SARS-CoV-2 rtRT-PCR targeting the envelope (E) and RNA-dependent RNA-polymerase (RdRp) genes. METHODS: SARS-CoV-2 rtRT-PCR results at the Public Health Laboratory (Alberta, Canada) from January 21 to April 18, 2020 were reviewed to identify patients with an initial negative rtRT-PCR followed by a positive result on repeat testing within 14 days (defined as discordant results). Negative samples from these discordant specimens were re-tested using three alternate rtRT-PCR assays (targeting the E gene and N1/N2 regions of the nucleocapsid genes) to assess for false negative (FN) results. RESULTS: During the time period specified, 95,919 patients (100,001 samples) were tested for SARS-CoV-2. Of these, 49 patients were found to have discordant results including 49 positive and 52 negative swabs. Repeat testing of 52 negative swabs found five FNs (from five separate patients). Assuming 100% specificity of the diagnostic assay, the FNR and sensitivity in this group of patients with discordant testing was 9.3% (95% CI 1.5-17.0%) and 90.7% (95% CI 82.6-98.9%) respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Studies to understand the FNR of routinely used assays are important to confirm adequate clinical performance. In this study, most FN results were due to low amounts of SARS-CoV-2 virus concentrations in patients with multiple specimens collected during different stages of infection. Post-test clinical evaluation of each patient is advised to ensure that rtRT-PCR results are not the only factor in excluding COVID-19.

A characteristic study of Zea mays L. (sweet corn) cobs for synthetic dye degradation from aqueous media.

The current study reports a systematic methodology of Zea mays L. (sweet corn) cobs (ZMLC) for the sequestration of synthetic dye (gentian violet) from aqueous solutions. Adsorbent was scrutinized by using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infra-red spectrometry with pHpzc determination. The impact of various adsorption parameters including pH effect, ZMLC (sorbent) dosage, temperature, concentration and shaking time was examined. The equilibrium sorption isotherms were determined by the batch method from 283 to 303 K at pHpzc. Adsorption data were adjusted to four isothermal models: Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin-Radushkevich and Temkin's models, which presented the best adjustment to Freundlich, Dubinin-Radushkevich and Temkin's at 283 K. The kinetic profile fitted well to the pseudo-second order kinetic equation at three distinct concentrations 600, 700, 800 mg/L. Maximum sorption capacity was gained up to 700 mg.g-1 for gentian violet at pH 3, respectively. The adsorption process is endothermic, non-spontaneous, favorable thermodynamically due to positive values of entropy and Gibbs free energy and randomness decreases during the adsorption process. Furthermore, after biosorption onto ZMLC the dye can be desorbed effectively by using mineral base KOH solution. Consequently, the ZMLC is said to be a promising biosorbent to remediate gentian violet-contaminated water as well as wastewater.

Phenanthrene Fluorescence Quenching in Aqueous Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate (SDS) and Determination of Important Metal Ions.

In this work fluorescence quenching of phenanthrene by heavy metal ions (Fe3+, Cu2+, Cr3+ Pb2+, Ni2+) was studied in aqueous solution of sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS). Fluorescence quenching was higher in lower SDS concentration and decreased with the increase in SDS concentration. Phenanthrene quenching by heavy metal ions were explained by Stern-Volmer equations and the Stern-Volmer constants were observed in the order Fe3+ > Cu2+ > Cr3+ > Pb2+ > Ni2+ respectively. Stern-Volmer constants reflect the sensitivity of the method for the studied metal ions. Limit of detection which was calculated as three time standard deviation of the blank for n = 10 (3×SD) ranged from 1.504×10-6-1.113×10-5 molL-1and limit of quantification which was calculated as ten times standard deviation of the blank for n = 10 (10×SD) ranged from 5.013×10-6-3.371×10-5 mol L-1. Phenanthrene fluorescence quenching by the studied metal ions shows good reproducibility and the used of anionic surfactant increases the fluorescence quenching of phenanthrene by heavy metal ions. This method could be very effective for the determination of metal ions.

Vitamin-D Toxicity And Other Non-Malignant Causes Of Hypercalcemia: A Retrospective Study At A Tertiary Care Hospital In Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: Hypercalcemia is a common clinical problem; primary hyperparathyroidism and malignancy is commonest causes of hypercalcemia. Aetiology of hypercalcemia are changing, causes that were diseases of the past like Vitamin-D toxicity and milk alkali syndrome are observed more often. Vitamin-D deficiency is an important problem and overzealous replacement of Vitamin-D has been observed, suspected to cause toxicity. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of patients admitted at the Aga Khan University Hospital from January 2008 to December 2013 with hypercalcemia. We reviewed the electronic health records for laboratory and radiological studies, and discharge summaries to establish the cause of hypercalcemia. Patients with solid tumour malignancy were excluded from the analysis. The treatment records and hospital course of patients diagnosed with Vitamin-D toxicity were also reviewed. RESULTS: Primary hyperparathyroidism was the most common cause of hypercalcemia comprising 41 (28.2 %) patients. Vitamin-D toxicity was present in 25 (17.3%) and probable Vitamin-D toxicity 11 (7.6 %) inpatients. Vitamin-D toxicity and probable Vitamin-D toxicity together comprised 36 (24.8%) cases. Other causes of hypercalcemia included multiple myeloma 18 (12.4%) patients, tuberculosis 6 (4.1%) patients, chronic kidney disease6 (4.1%) cases, sarcoidosis 4 (2.7%) and lymphoma 3 (2.0%) patients. In 29(20%) patients a cause of hypercalcemia could not be determined and were labelled as undiagnosed cases. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin-D toxicity was the second commonest cause of hypercalcemia after primary hyperparathyroidism. Knowledge of the prevalent and emerging causes of hypercalcemia is important for prompt diagnosis and treatment..

Elemental sulfur improves growth and phytoremediative ability of wheat grown in lead-contaminated calcareous soil.

Little is known about the effect of elemental sulfur on lead uptake and its toxicity in wheat. A pot experiment was conducted with the purpose to examine the impact of sulfur on improving Pb solubility in soil, and uptake and accumulation in wheat plants. The effect of three levels of lead (0, 50, and 100 mg/kg soil) and sulfur (0, 150, and 300 mmol/kg soil) was tested in all possible combinations. Root dry matter, straw, and grain yields, and the photosynthetic and transpiration rates decreased significantly with increase in the concentration of Pb in the soil. However, sulfur fertilization in the presence of Pb improved the photosynthetic and transpiration rates and consequently increased the straw and grain yields of wheat. It also enhanced Pb accumulation in roots, its translocation from roots to shoot, and accumulation in grain. S and Zn contents of different plant parts were also enhanced. Thus, by mitigating the toxic effect of Pb and improving wheat growth, sulfur enhances Pb accumulation by the aboveground plant parts and hence the phytoextraction capacity of wheat. However, total accumulation of Pb shows that wheat plant cannot be considered as a suitable candidate for phytoremediation.

A validated silver-nanoparticle-enhanced chemiluminescence method for the determination of citalopram in pharmaceutical preparations and human plasma.

A simple and sensitive chemiluminescence (CL) method was developed for the determination of citalopram in pharmaceutical preparations and human plasma. The method is based on the enhancement of the weak CL signal of the luminol-H2 O2 system. It was found that the CL signal arising from the reaction between alkaline luminol and H2 O2 was greatly increased by the addition of silver nanoparticles in the presence of citalopram. Prepared silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Various experimental parameters affecting CL intensity were studied and optimized for the determination of citalopram. Under optimized experimental conditions, CL intensity was found to be proportional to the concentration of citalopram in the range 40-2500 ng/mL, with a correlation coefficient of 0.9997. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) of the devised method were 3.78 and 12.62 ng/mL, respectively. Furthermore, the developed method was found to have excellent reproducibility with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 3.65% (n = 7). Potential interference by common excipients was also studied. The method was validated statistically using recovery studies and was successfully applied to the determination of citalopram in the pure form, in pharmaceutical preparations and in spiked human plasma samples. Percentage recoveries were found to range from 97.71 to 101.99% for the pure form, from 97.84 to 102.78% for pharmaceutical preparations and from 95.65 to 100.35% for spiked human plasma.

Identification and Epidemiological Analysis of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria in the Oral Microbiome of the Population in Pakistan.

Background Antibiotic resistance in the oral microbiome poses serious health risks worldwide, particularly in developing countries like Pakistan. Public health efforts are challenged by the potential of the oral cavity to serve as a reservoir for resistant bacteria due to its frequent exposure to antibiotics. Objective This study aimed to identify and analyze the prevalence and epidemiology of antibiotic-resistant bacteria within the oral microbiome of the Pakistani population. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted at Akhtar Saeed Medical and Dental College, Lahore, and Gomal Medical College, Dera Ismail Khan, from January 2023 to December 2023. A total of 290 participants, aged 18 years or older, were recruited based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Oral swabs were collected and analyzed using conventional culture methods. All descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 25 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY), with a significance level set at p <0.05. Results The most common antibiotic-resistant bacteria identified were Enterococcus faecalis (24.48%, n = 71), Staphylococcus aureus (27.24%, n = 79), and Streptococcus mutans (35.86%, n = 104). The most frequent resistances were to penicillin (32.14%, n = 93), tetracycline (23.45%, n = 68), and erythromycin (22.07%, n = 64). Recent antibiotic use was significantly associated with higher rates of resistance (p = 0.01), with 75.19% of individuals (n = 97) who had used antibiotics within the past three to six months showing resistance. Conclusion The study reveals a high prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, particularly to penicillin and tetracycline, in the oral microbiome of the Pakistani population.

A validated spectrofluorimetric method for the determination of citalopram in bulk and pharmaceutical preparations based on the measurement of the silver nanoparticles-enhanced fluorescence of citalopram/terbium complexes.

A simple, sensitive, and accurate spectrofluorimetric method was developed for the determination of citalopram in bulk and pharmaceutical preparations. The method is based on the enhancement of the weak fluorescence signal (FL) of the Tb (III)-citalopram system in the presence of silver nanoparticles. Fluorescence intensities were measured at 555 nm after excitation at 281 nm. Prepared silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were characterized by UV-Visible spectra and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Various factors affecting the formation of citalopram-Tb (III)-AgNPs complexes were studied and optimized. The fluorescence intensity versus concentration plot was linear over the range 0.02-14 µg mL(-1), with an excellent correlation coefficient of 0.9978. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were found to be 7.15 × 10(-6) µg mL(-1) and 2.38 × 10(-5) µg mL(-1) respectively. The proposed method was found to have good reproducibility with a relative standard deviation of 3.66% (n = 6). The interference effects of common excipients found in pharmaceutical preparations were studied. The developed method was validated statistically by performing recoveries studies and successfully applied for the assay of citalopram in bulk powder and pharmaceutical preparations. Percent recoveries were found to range from 98.98% to 100.97% for bulk powder and from 96.57% to 101.77% for pharmaceutical preparations.

Determination of sulpiride in pharmaceutical preparations and biological fluids using a Cr (III) enhanced chemiluminescence method.

A highly sensitive and simple method for identifying sulpiride in pharmaceutical formulations and biological fluids is presented. The method is based on increased chemiluminescence (CL) intensity of a luminol-H2O2 system in response to the addition of Cr (III) under alkaline conditions. The CL intensity of the luminol-H2O2-Cr (III) system was greatly enhanced by the addition of sulpiride and the CL intensity was proportional to the concentration of sulpiride in a sample solution. Various parameters affecting the CL intensity were systematically investigated and optimized for determination of the sulpiride in a sample. Under the optimum conditions, the CL intensity was proportional to the concentration of sulpiride in the range of 0.068-4.0 µg/mL, with a good correlation coefficient of 0.997. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were found to be 8.50 × 10(-6) µg/mL and 2.83 × 10(-5) µg/mL, respectively. The method presented here produced good reproducibility with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 2.70% (n = 7). The effects of common excipients and metal ions were studied for their interference effect. The method was validated statistically through recovery studies and successfully applied for the determination of sulpiride in pure form, pharmaceutical preparations and spiked human plasma samples. The percentage recoveries were found to range from 99.10 to 100.05% for pure form, 98.12 to 100.18% for pharmaceutical preparations and 97.9 to 101.4% for spiked human plasma.

Validated spectrofluorimetric method for determination of sulpiride in commercial formulations using Hantzsch condensation reaction.

A simple, sensitive, selective and cost effective spectrofluorimetric method has been established for the quantification of sulpiride after their complete alkaline hydrolysis. The method is based on the condensation of the primary amino group of alkaline hydrolytic product of sulpiride with acetyl acetone and formaldehyde in acidic medium (0.25 M HCl) to form a fluorescent product. The reaction product formed shows maximum fluorescence intensity at 483 nm after excitation at 431 nm. The different reaction conditions influencing the condensation reaction were carefully optimized and a linear range of 0.1-3.5 µg mL-1 with good correlation coefficient between flourescent intensity and concentration of sulpiride was found at optimum parameters. The LOD and LOQ were found to be 11 and 39 ng mL-1 respectively. The proposed method was successfully used for the quantification of sulpiride in bulk powder and commercial formulations. The effect of common pharmaceutical excipients and co-administered drug was also studied and no interferences were observed. The validity of the method was tested by analyzing sulpiride in bulk powder, and pharmaceutical formulations through recovery studies. Recoveries (%) were obtained from 98.62 to 100.24% for bulk powder, and 97.09 to 100.57 % for commercial formulations. The results were validated statistically with those obtained by reference literature high performance liquid chromatographic method.

Efficacy Of Sub-Tenon's Block In Paediatric Strabismus Surgery In Terms Of Reduction In Oculocardiac Reflex.

Background: Strabismus is a common disease entity in paediatric age group usually requiring surgical intervention under general anaesthesia and Oculocardiac reflex is the most dangerous complications intraoperatively. Various anaesthetic options have been evaluated to mitigate this complication. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of sub-tenon's block in paediatric strabismus surgery in terms of reduction in oculocardiac reflex. Methods: This prospective Randomized control trial was conducted at Department of ophthalmology, MTI, Hayatabad Medical complex, Peshawar over a period of six months from 1st July to 31st December 2021. A total of 124, were equally divided in subtenon's group (Group A) and placebo group (Group B). Intraoperatively, patients were assessed for Bradycardia and development of OCR. Data including demographics, intraoperative BP, HR and OCR development were noted and analysed with SPSS version 22. Results: The total number of patients were 124, 62 in each group with a mean age of 9.45±1.61. Sixty-six (53.22%) patients were males and 58 (46.87%) patients were females. At 10-, 20- and 30-minutes interval, the SBP and DBP has no significant difference. At 10, 20, 30 minutes interval, the HR differed significantly (79.33±7.36 vs 66.65±6.83 (p˂0.05), 79.78±7.63 vs 66.57±7.06 (p˂0.05), 79.80±7.78 vs 66.52±7.01 (p˂0.05), respectively. Intraoperative OCR was recorded in 13 (21%) patients in sub-tenon's (Group A) versus 56 (90.30%) patients in placebo (Group B) with statistically significant difference between the two (p<0.05). Conclusion: Sub-tenon's injection of bupivacaine reduces the incidence of Bradycardia and OCR in squint surgery patients after general anaesthesia induction and usage is recommended in routine.

Enhancements in yield, agronomic, and zinc recovery efficiencies of rice-wheat system through bioactive zinc coated urea application in Aridisols.

BACKGROUND: Zinc (Zn) deficiency and source-dependent Zn fertilization to achieve optimum Zn levels in rice and wheat grains remain global concern for human nutrition, especially in developing countries. To-date, little is known about the effectiveness of bioactive Zn-coated urea (BAZU) to enhance the concentration, uptake, and recovery of Zn in relation to agronomic efficiency in paddy and wheat grains. RESULTS: Field experiments were carried out during 2020-21 on the rice-wheat system at Lahore, Faisalabad, Sahiwal, and Multan, Punjab, Pakistan using four treatments viz.T1 (Urea 46% N @ 185 kg ha-1 + zero Zn), T2 (Urea 46% N @ 185 kg ha-1 + ZnSO4 33% Zn @ 15 kg ha-1), T3 (BAZU 42% N @ 103 kg ha-1 + Urea 46% N @ 62 kg ha-1 + 1% bioactive Zn @ 1.03 kg ha-1) and T4 (BAZU 42% N @ 125 kg ha-1 + Urea 46% N @ 62 kg ha-1 + 1% bioactive Zn @ 1.25 kg ha-1) in quadruplicate under Randomized Complete Block Design. Paddy yield was increased by 13, 11, 12, and 11% whereas wheat grain yield was enhanced by 12, 11, 11, and 10% under T4 at Multan, Faisalabad, Sahiwal, and Lahore, respectively, compared to T1. Similarly, paddy Zn concentration was increased by 58, 67, 65 and 77% (32.4, 30.7, 31.1, and 34.1 mg kg-1) in rice whereas grain Zn concentration was increased by 90, 87, 96 and 97% (46.2, 43.9, 46.7 and 44.9 mg kg-1) in wheat by the application of BAZU (T4) at Multan, Faisalabad, Sahiwal, and Lahore, respectively, in comparison to T1. Zinc recovery was about 9-fold and 11-fold higher in paddy and wheat grains, respectively, under BAZU (T4) treatment relative to T2 while, the agronomic efficiency was enhanced up to 130% and 141% in rice and wheat respectively as compared to T2. CONCLUSION: Thus, T4 application at the rate of 125 kg ha-1 could prove effective in enhancing the rice paddy and wheat grain yield along with their Zn biofortification (∼34 mg kg-1 and ∼47 mg kg-1, respectively) through increased agronomic and Zn recovery efficiencies, the underlying physiological and molecular mechanisms of which can be further explored in future.

6-Chloro-N-(2-meth-oxy-phen-yl)pyridazin-3-amine.

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C(11)H(10)ClN(3)O, contains two geometrically different mol-ecules, A and B, in both of which the pyridazine rings are essentially planar with r.m.s. deviations of 0.0137 and 0.0056Å, respectively. In mol-ecule A, the dihedral angle between the pyridazine and benzene rings is 6.5 (2)°, whereas in mol-ecule B it is 27.93 (7)°. In mol-ecule B, an intramolecular N-H⋯O hydrogen bond forms an S(5) ring motif. In both molecules, S(6) ring motifs are present due to non-classical C-H⋯N hydrogen bonds. The π-π inter-actions between the pyridazine rings of A mol-ecules [3.4740 (13) Å] and B mol-ecules [3.4786 (17) Å] have very similar centroid-centroid separations. π-π Inter-actions also occur between the benzene rings of B mol-ecules with a centroid-centroid separation of 3.676 (2) Šand a slippage of 1.02 Å. In the crystal, the mol-ecules are linked into chains extending along [010] by C-H⋯N and C-H⋯Cl interactions.

Ethyl 2-acet-amido-4,5,6,7-tetra-hydro-1-benzothio-phene-3-carboxyl-ate.

In the title compound, C(13)H(17)NO(3)S, the dihedral angles between the thio-phene ring and the ethyl ester and acetamide groups are 5.21 (13) and 10.06 (16)°, respectively. The cyclo-hezene ring adopts a half-chair conformation. An S(6) ring is formed due to an intra-molecular N-H⋯O hydrogen bond. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by C-H⋯O inter-actions between the tetra-hydro-1-benzothio-phene unit and the ethyl ester group, forming C(7) chains propagating along the b-axis direction.

Quantification of sparfloxacin in pharmaceutical dosages and biological samples.

A simple and fast method for spectrophotometric determination of sparfloxacin using p-dimethyl-aminobenzaldehyde (DMAB) has been developed. A yellow coloured product formed from reaction between sparfloxacin and DMAB as a result of condensation reaction at room temperature. The maximum absorbance was found at 392 nm with molar absorptivity of 4.9 × 10(3) L mol(-1) cm(-1). All parameters for the reaction, as concentration of DMBA reagent, molarity of sulphuric acid, and reaction temperature were studied. Under the conditions studied, a linear relationship between absorbance of the condensation product and concentration of sparfloxacin in the range of 2.0-80.0 µg mL(-1) was found with good correlation coefficient (0.9997). The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) for the proposed method were found to be 0.22 and 0.75 µg mL(-1) respectively. The repeatability and accuracy (model) of the method was studied at three different concentrations of sparfloxacin and found with value of relative standard deviation less than 2.0%. The method was found selective for determination of sparfloxacin in the presence of commonly used excipients in dosage forms. The developed method was validated statistically and applied successfully to the analysis of the drug in pure form, pharmaceutical preparations, and spiked blood plasma and urine samples with good accuracy (real) and precision. The percentage recovery was found from 99.0-100.0% with relative standard deviation less than 1%. The results of the proposed method were compared statistically with the results of literature HPLC method.

Eco-friendly approach for determination of moxifloxacin in pharmaceutical preparations and biological fluids through fluorescence quenching of eosin Y.

An easy, verified spectrofluorimetric approach was established for the investigation of moxifloxacin in pure forms, pharmaceutical preparations, and biological fluids. The approach involves forming a binary complex of moxifloxacin and eosin Y in an acetate buffer with a pH of 3.6. The highest quenching of eosin Y with moxifloxacin occurs at 545 nm. Several factors, such as pH, buffer type and concentration, and eosin Y concentration, were carefully studied. The calibration graph showed a linear relationship between fluorescence intensity and moxifloxacin concentrations between 0.2 and 10 µg mL-1 with a correlation coefficient of 0.998. It was determined that the detection and quantification limits were 0.0322 µg mL-1 and 0.0976 µg mL-1, respectively. The impact of common excipients was investigated, but no interferences were discovered. Standard forms of moxifloxacin, pharmaceuticals, and biological samples have all been studied using the established methodology. The method, which successfully complied with ICH requirements, was used for the analysis of moxifloxacin in its pure form, pharmaceutical dosage forms, and biological samples. The percentage recoveries obtained were ranged from 99.50 to 102.50% for pharmaceutical preparations and from 100.50 to 102.50% for human blood plasma and urine. Proposed mechanisms for the reaction between moxifloxacin and eosin Y.

Assessment of Attitudes and Intentions towards COVID-19 Vaccines and Associated Factors among General Populations of Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Study.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of public health in combatting COVID-19 is to increase herd immunity. However, vaccine reluctance makes attaining herd immunity a worldwide challenge. This investigation aimed to identify negative and positive attitudes and intentions about COVID-19 vaccinations. METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted once free COVID-19 vaccines became available in Pakistan in 2021. 4392 Pakistanis aged 18 and older were surveyed from seven administrative units between 1 July and 30 August 2021. Online structured questionnaires were utilized to collect data using a simple sampling procedure. The questionnaires were divided into three major sections: sociodemographic, health factors, and attitudes toward COVID-19. RESULTS: The survey link was shared with approximately 4500 participants. 97.6%(4392) completed the survey once begun. Frequency, percentage and Chi-square tests were used to analyze statistical data. Most of the participants in the research were men (2703 (61.54%)), 3277 (74.61%) were aged 18-29 years, and 1824 (41.53%) were residents of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. (18.69%) Respondents expressed COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, whereas 36.66% of participants liked getting the Sinopharm and Sinovac vaccines and (35.84%) of participants preferred the Pfizer vaccine. A significant number of participants (38.05%) were concerned about the vaccine's unexpected side effects Thus, it is essential to realize that many participants were concerned about the vaccine's unexpected side effects. CONCLUSIONS: The overall high level of concern about the unforeseen side effects of COVID-19 vaccines, as well as widespread vaccine hesitancy among Pakistani populations and its predictors, should be taken into account if public health intervention campaigns in Pakistan are changing negative attitudes and improving compliance with regard to COVID-19 vaccines.