Pristine, Ni- and Zn-Doped CuSe Nanoparticles: An Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, and Cytotoxicity Study.

The strategy of chemical coprecipitation is implemented to synthesize nanoparticles of pristine CuSe, 5 and 10% Ni-doped CuSe, and 5 and 10% Zn-doped CuSe. All of the nanoparticles are found to be near stoichiometric by the evaluation of X-ray energy using electron dispersion spectra, and the elemental mapping shows uniform distribution. By X-ray diffraction examination, all of the nanoparticles are identified as being single-phase and having a hexagonal lattice structure. Field emission microscopy with electrons in both scanning and transmission modes affirmed the spherical configuration of the nanoparticles. The crystalline nature of the nanoparticles is confirmed by the presence of spot patterns observed in the selected area electron diffraction patterns. The observed d value matches well with the d value of the CuSe hexagonal (102) plane. Findings from dynamic light scattering reveal the size distribution of nanoparticles. The nanoparticle's stability is investigated by ζ potential measurements. Pristine and Ni-doped CuSe nanoparticles exhibit ζ potential values in the preliminary stability band of ±10 to ±30 mV, while Zn-doped nanoparticles feature moderate stability levels of ±30 to ±40 mV. The potent antimicrobial effects of synthesized nanoparticles are studied against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus vulgaris, Enterobacter aerogenes, and Escherichia coli bacteria. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging test is used to investigate the nanoparticle's antioxidant activities. The results showed the highest activity for control (Vitamin C) with an IC50 value of 43.6 µg/mL, while the lowest for Ni-doped CuSe nanoparticles with an IC50 value of 106.2 µg/mL. Brine shrimps are utilized for in vivo cytotoxicity evaluation of the synthesized nanoparticles, which demonstrates that 10% Ni- and 10% Zn-doped CuSe nanoparticles are more damaging on brine shrimp instead on other nanoparticles with a 100% mortality rate. The lung cancer cell line of human (A549) is used to investigate in vitro cytotoxicity. The results indicate that pristine CuSe nanoparticles are more effective in the context of cytotoxicity against the A549 cell lines, possessing an IC50 of 488 µg/mL. The particulars of the outcomes are explained in depth.

Occupational Therapists' Perceptions of Home Program Provision for Stroke Survivors in a Lower- and Middle-Income Country: An Exploratory Study.

This qualitative study aimed to understand occupational therapists' experiences of providing home programs to stroke survivors in India. Using an interpretative phenomenological approach, eight practicing occupational therapists were interviewed in depth about home programs for individuals recovering from stroke. Two broad themes with subthemes emerged describing the organizational factors, sociocultural and economic influences on home program provision as well as describing how the occupational therapists addressed the challenges to facilitate home program provision and adherence. The findings can inform occupational therapy practice in lower- and middle-income countries like India and other countries where existing practice recommendations for stroke rehabilitation and core professional tenets may be challenged.

Predicting Transcarotid Artery Revascularization Adverse Outcomes by Imaging Characteristics.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 20-30% of ischemic strokes are caused by internal carotid artery stenosis. Stroke is the leading cause of disability and the second leading cause of death in the United States. Second generation transcarotid arterial revascularization (TCAR) stenting, using the ENROUTE flow reversal technology to prevent embolic stroke during the stenting process, has demonstrated stroke and death outcomes equivalent to carotid endarterectomy with reduced cranial nerve injury. However, at present, it is not known whether imaging characteristics obtained preoperatively can predict outcomes of TCAR procedures. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included patients who underwent TCAR with flow reversal at three hospitals within a single hospital network who had computed tomography angiography, magnetic resonance imaging angiography, or preoperative diagnostic angiogram to determine whether carotid and lesion characteristics could predict patients who experienced major adverse critical events (MACE) versus those who did not. MACE was defined as myocardial infarction at 30 days, restenosis/persistent stenosis (peak systolic velocity within the stent >230 cm/sec by postoperative ultrasound), stroke within any time of follow-up, or death within 1 year of TCAR. Student's t-tests and Chi-squared tests were used to compare imaging characteristics, such as presence of pinpoint stenosis, calcification within the common carotid artery at the take-off from the aorta, and plaque length in millimeters. Binomial logistic regression was used to examine the likelihood that imaging characteristics were associated with MACE. RESULTS: Of 220 patients who underwent TCAR in our network, seven were excluded because flow reversal was not used or appropriate imaging had not been performed prior to TCAR. Of the 213 patients who were included in analysis, the median length of follow-up was 10.8 months (interquartile range: 3.4-33.1 months). Twelve percent (26/213) experienced MACE and a model based on imaging characteristics was statistically significant in predicting MACE with 68% accuracy (P = 0.005). The presence of pinpoint stenosis was highly predictive of MACE (hazards ratio: 3.34, confidence interval: 1.2 to 9.3, P = 0.021). A shorter clavicle to carotid bifurcation distance was associated with an increased likelihood of experiencing MACE (P = 0.009) but it was weakly predictive (hazards ratio: 1.03, confidence interval: 1.01 to 1.05). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative imaging characteristics, such as pinpoint stenosis and clavicle to carotid bifurcation distance, can be used to predict adverse outcomes in TCAR placement.

Indian elderly women's experiences of food procurement and preparation.

The present study explored the experiences of Indian elderly women in meal preparation and food procurement. Ten elderly women aged 60-72 years residing in a metropolis were interviewed. Thematic analysis identified two overarching themes: "Meal preparation and food procurement are meaningful occupations" and "Meal preparation and food procurement change with age." The findings suggests that Indian elderly women valued their participation in these activities. They actively adopted alternative strategies and technologies to overcome the challenges experienced while performing these activities. The findings highlight the strong influence of family and financial aspects on the decisions of elderly women with regard to meal preparation and food procurement. The study findings provide salient information on personal and environmental factors that could guide interventions to promote and maintain Indian elderly women's participation in these meaningful occupations.