Exploring the Therapeutic Properties of Alga-Based Silver Nanoparticles: Anticancer, Antibacterial, and Free Radical Scavenging Capabilities.

The current study was designed to evaluate the antioxidant, anticancer and antimicrobial activities of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) biosynthesized by Spirulina platensis extract. The biosynthesized silver nanoparticles were characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The antioxidant activity of the biosynthesized AgNPs were determined via DPPH radical scavenging assay while its anticancer activity was determined using the MTT assay. The antimicrobial activity of the biosynthesized AgNPs were analyzed by disc diffusion method. Spirulina platensis acts as a reducing and capping agent. The efficacy of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in inhibiting the growth of Gram-negative bacteria, specifically Acetobacter, Klebsiella, Proteus vulgaris, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, was assessed by the utilisation of the diffusion method. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) against many strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria. The findings of the study revealed that when administered in doses of 50 µl, 75 µl, and 100 µl, the largest observed zone of inhibition corresponded to measurements of 10.5 mm, 14 mm, and 16 mm, respectively. A zone of inhibition with dimensions of 8 mm, 10.5 mm, and 12 mm was detected during testing against Acetobacter at concentrations of 50 µl, 75 µl, and 100 µl, respectively. The findings also indicate that there is a positive correlation between the concentration of AgNP and the DPPH scavenging ability of silver nanoparticles. The percentage of inhibition observed at concentrations of 500 µg/ml, 400 µg/ml, 300 µg/ml, 200 µg/ml, and 100 µg/ml were recorded as 80±1.98, 61±1.98, 52±1.5, 42±1.99, and 36±1.97, respectively. In addition, it was observed that the silver nanoparticles exhibited the greatest antioxidant activity at a concentration of 500 g/ml, with a measured value of 80.89±1.99. The IC-50 values, representing the inhibitory concentration required to achieve 50 % inhibition, were found to be 8.16, 19.15, 30.14, 41.13, and 63.11 at inhibition levels of 36±1.97, 42±1.99, 52±1.5, 61±1.98, and 80±1.98, respectively.

Developing a three-dimensional narrative to counter polio vaccine refusal in Charsadda.

BACKGROUND: Endemic polio in Pakistan is threatening the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI). In recent years, vaccine refusals have surged, spiking polio cases. The current study was conducted to understand the ethnic, religious and cultural roots of vaccine refusals in Charsadda District and explore the remedial options. METHODS: We conducted 43 in-depth interviews with parents who had refused polio vaccines for their children and the PEI staff. Interviews were audio-recorded, written in verbatim and analysed with Atlis.ti. We conducted a thematic analysis of our data. RESULTS: The fear of American and Jewish conspiracies was the primary cause of vaccine refusals. Militant groups like Tehrek-i-Taliban Pakistan capitalised on this fear, through social media. The Pashtun ethnic group considers itself at the centre of conspiracies. They are suspicious of mass investment and mobilisation behind the polio campaign. Our respondents feared that polio vaccines were making children vulgar. They also feared a reduction in the male to female ratio in childbirth. In Pashtun communities, the iconic conventional community gatherings ["Hujras"] are being replaced by provocative digital Hujra [social media], which the PEI and the Government of Pakistan (GOP) are failing to influence or regulate. The PEI uses the misleading term 'religious refusal'. Some factions in the clergy are maligning people from vaccinations, but not through religious dictum. The anti-state elements have stirred sentiments to weaken the state initiative. Fear of adverse effects, attitudinal barriers of health care providers, unmet basic needs and alleged haram composition of the vaccine were among the reasons for vaccine refusals. The PEI needs to revise its misleading nomenclature and ensue open discussion to dispel the myths of infertility, vulgarity and gender ratio related to the vaccines. Simultaneously, the GOP should stop disinformation on social media and rebrand polio vaccination with popular initiatives like the government-sponsored health insurance schemes. CONCLUSIONS: The ethnic, cultural and religious dispositions of community members shape polio vaccine refusals in Charsadda District, in different ways. In synch with existing conspiracy theories and medical misconceptions, these three factors make refusals harder to counter. Awareness campaigns with content addressing these three dimensions can improve the situation.

Frequency Of Hepatitis-B And C In Patients On Haemodialysis For End Stage Renal Disease In Tertiary Care Hospitals: A Multicentre Study.

BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing haemodialysis are at increased risk for acquiring infections like hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus. This is due to their underlying impaired cellular immunity and exposure to contaminated equipment, frequent blood transfusions, hospitalization and surgery. This study was conducted to determine the frequency of Hepatitis B and C in patients undergoing haemodialysis in tertiary care hospitals. METHODS: This crosssectional study was conducted in dialysis units of three tertiary care hospitals, from January to August 2018. Data regarding demographics and hepatitis status was collected from patients and hospital records through a structured questionnaire. Categorical variables were shown in percentages and Chi square test was used to see association between hepatitis status and age, gender and duration of dialysis. RESULTS: Of the total 521 patients, 318 (61%) were males. Mean age of participants was 44.98±16.51 years and mean duration since initiation of HD 19.74 months. Of the total, 150 (28.8%) were hepatitis C positive, 28 (5.4%) were hepatitis B positive and 18 (3.4%) having hepatitis B and C co-infection. Duration since initiation of dialysis was associated with hepatitis (p<0.001). Percentage of hepatitis was higher in males compared to females but statistically not significant. CONCLUSION: The frequency of hepatitis in our haemodialysis units is alarmingly high and significantly associated with duration since initiation of haemodialysis.