Ingestion and effects of green synthesized cadmium sulphide nanoparticle on Spodoptera Litura as an insecticidal and their antimicrobial and anticancer activities.

The current study investigated the multifunctional properties of Cadmium Sulphide Nanoparticles synthesized using a green synthesis method (CdS NPs) using a green feedstock, Nopal Cactus fruit extract. The biological activities of the CdS NPs were thoroughly investigated, including their insecticidal, antibacterial, and anticancer activities. The different concentrations (0.005-0.04%) of CdS NPs were fed to the larvae of Spodoptera litura, and their ingestion effects were observed on the different biological, biochemical, and oxidative stress markers. There are significant dose-dependent changes in the biochemical parameters like superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), Glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and MDA level as a marker of lipid peroxidation in the treated larvae were studied. In the highest concentration (0.04%), significant larval mortality (46.66%), malformation (pupae and adult) (27.78%), inhibition of adult emergence (43.87%), as well as reduced fecundity (25.28%), and fertility (22.74%) as compared to control was observed. CdS NPs have been investigated for antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus bacterial strains. In vitro anticancer activities were carried out to decrease the viability of the Pancreatic cancer cell line. The cells showed 18% and 12% viability at a 200 µg/ml concentration when incubated with CdS NPs for 24 and 48 h, respectively, confirming its potent anticancer property. The lack of cytotoxicity against the (RBC) endorses the biocompatible nature of synthesized CdS NPs. It was observed that green synthesized CdS NPs could be used as a promising insecticidal, antibacterial, and anticancer agent.

Evaluation of safety and efficacy profile of Nigella sativa oil as an add-on therapy, in addition to alpha-keto analogue of essential amino acids in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) encompasses a spectrum of different pathophysio- logic processes associated with abnormal kidney function. When it reaches end-stage renal disease (ESRD), the only option is dialysis and renal transplantation. This is unaffordable by most patients. Hence, newer treatment modalities are being looked for, which can slow down the progression of CKD and delay the development of ESRD. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Nigella sativa oil as an add-on therapy in addition to alpha-keto analogue of essential amino acids in patients with CKD Stages 3 and 4. The study was conducted at a tertiary care center in North India on patients with CKD Stages 3 and 4. It was a prospective, comparative, and open-labeled study. One hundred and fifty patients were enrolled and were randomly divided into two interventional groups. Fourteen patients were lost to follow-up. Group I (control) which had 66 patients received conservative management of CKD consisting of alpha-keto analogue (600 mg tablet three times a day), whereas Group II (test) which had 70 patients received conservative management along with alpha-keto analogue and N. sativa oil (2.5 mL, per orally, once daily) for 12 weeks. Hemogram, renal function, and serum electrolyte tests were done, and adverse events were recorded at baseline and at4, 8, and 12 weeks of treatment. After 12 weeks of treatment, there was a marked improvement in clinical features and biochemical parameters in both the control and test groups. There were a significant reduction in blood urea, serum creatinine, and 24-h total urine protein and a significant improvement in 24-h total urine volume and glomerular filtration rate. N. sativa oil supplementation along with alpha-keto analogue is more more efficacious and safe in delaying the progression of disease patients with CKD Stages 3 and 4.