Search

The synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by the green method is favored as compared to chemical synthesis due to their appreciable properties of less toxicity and simple synthesis. The current study designed the biosynthesis of AgNPs in one step by using the plant Kickxia elatine (KE) extract and then investigated its inhibiting activity against rat’s brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE) ex vivo. Ultraviolet spectrum at 416 nm confirmed the formation of AgNPs. X-ray diffractometer calculated size was reported to be 42.47 nm. The SEM analysis confirmed spherical-shaped AgNPs. FT-IR suggested that the phytochemical groups present in the KE extract and their nanoparticles (NPs) are responsible for the biosynthesized of NPs. EDX analysis presented that Ag was the chief element with 61.67%. Both KE extract and AgNPs showed significant anti-AChE activity at 175 µg·mL−1. Statistical analysis showed that both KE and AgNPs exhibited non-competitive type inhibition against AChE, i.e. V max decreased (34.17–68.64% and 22.29–62.10%), while K m values remained constant. It is concluded that KE and AgNPs can be considered an inhibitor of rats’ brain AChE. Furthermore, the synthesis of AgNP-based drugs can be used as a cheaper and alternative option against diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Background: Healthcare at home is considered a partial substitute for institutional long-term care, because patients and families with known poor prognoses prefer to stay home with their loved ones and are unable to pay for hospital care at the end of life in some countries. Purpose: To explore patients' and family members' perspectives and experiences of receiving home-based palliative care services. Method: This was a qualitative exploratory study conducted in Karachi, targeting patients and family members receiving home-based palliative care services. The data collection was done via interviews, and simultaneously, the interviewer recorded field notes, which were all carried out within the confines of the participants' homes. Moreover, the subjects were recruited through purposive sampling, resulting in a total of six patients and six family members. The final number of participants was determined based on data saturation. The inclusion criteria encompassed individuals of all genders, aged 18 and above, and residents of Karachi, Pakistan. Those who were not able to provide information, due to any reason, were excluded from the study. The study adhered strictly to ethical considerations. Findings: The study uncovered several significant themes that provide valuable insights, including caregivers' availability, patients' inclusiveness, improved dietary pattern, psychological wellbeing, and rapid recovery in home-based care. Furthermore, the study identified themes on providing home-based palliative care, like family members' education and keeping back-ups for unforeseen situations. In contrast, the themes identified as home-based care preference over hospital care were: experienced compromised care, hospital anxiety, restricted to the available resources and higher hospital living expenses for patients and family members. Conclusion: The study underscored the importance of adopting a patient-centric approach. It has become evident that the comfort and familiarity of one's home environment provide a conducive backdrop for holistic healing and wellbeing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most prevalent, fatal, and non‐contagious diseases. Therefore, researchers are making attempts to develop novel anti‐diabetic drugs using various organic compounds and biomolecules. The idea of using nano‐materials as anti‐diabetic agents seems interesting. The current study aims to develop Kickxia elatine (KE) extract‐based nano‐silver (KE‐AgNPs) and to evaluate their in vivo anti‐diabetic potency in female Sprague Dawley rats. KE‐AgNPs were characterized using UV spectroscopy, X‐ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Electron Diffraction X‐ray Spectroscopy (EDX), and Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR) techniques. The crystalline nature of KE‐AgNPs with a size of 42.47 nm is confirmed by XRD screening. Spherical‐shaped mono‐dispersed KE‐AgNPs with a mean size of 50 nm are validated by SEM examination. The different phyto‐compounds (tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, proteins, saponins, phenols, carbohydrates, quinones, sterols, fats, and oils) that contribute to the stabilization and reduction of KE‐AgNPs are confirmed by FTIR analysis. EDX showed a strong peak (3.2 keV) that identified Ag as the main component with a 61.67% contribution. The use of Alloxan to induce diabetes resulted in elevated levels of blood sugar, HbA1c, liver, and lipid profile, as well as a drastic reduction in body weight, body organ weight, and Hemoglobin. These modifications were switched following 21 days of treatment of diabetic rats, and a dosage range of 150–450 mg kg−1 BW of KE extract and KE‐AgNPs demonstrated significant inhibition as compared with the diabetic untreated group. The phytochemical analysis of the KE plant was also assessed to examine the phyto‐compounds involved in the anti‐diabetic potential of KE extract and KE‐AgNPs. These findings suggested that, in comparison with the KE extract, KE‐AgNPs have demonstrated promising anti‐diabetic action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is attaining more attention from researchers over chemical fabrication due to their unique properties such as high dispersion in solution, surface-tovolume ratio, low toxicity, and easy preparation. In this paper, a biogenic synthesis of Kickxia elatinebased-silver nanoparticles (KE-AgNPs) was carried out by using K. elatine plant extract (KEE). The characterization of synthesized AgNPs was done by ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analyses. XRD screening confirmed the crystalline nature of KE-AgNPs with 42.47 nm in size. SEM analysis confirmed the rounded shape AgNPs with 50 nm in size. FTIR confirmed the various functional groups that contribute to the stabilization and reduction of AgNPs. EDX displayed an intense peak (3.2 keV), presenting that Ag has a chief component with 61.67%. These AgNPs showed a potential antioxidant activity against 2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethyl) benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS, 66.9%), diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH, 72.49%), H2O2 (69.42%), ferricreducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP, 70.04%), and ammonium molybdenum (68.77%) at the highest concentration of 160 µg/mL. Statistical analysis showed that both KEE and their AgNPs inhibit alpha-amylase (α-amylase) in the mixed type mode, i.e., Michaelis constant (Km) increased (16.62%-55.45% and 49.77%-134.78% for KE-AgNPs) and Vmax decreased (2.68%-12.98% and 4.44%-11%), respectively. In the case of anti-acetylcholinesterase studies, both KEE and AgNPs revealed a mixed-type inhibition against acetylcholinesterase (AchE), i.e., Km increased (13.53%-101.48% and 10.10%-38.04%), while Vmax decreased (12.66%-52.47% and 11.91%-41.69%) for KEE and KE-AgNPs, respectively. Therefore, the synthesized AgNPs could be used for various purposes due to their non-toxicity, eco-friendly, and compact ability for therapeutic and diagnostic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]