In this century, the development of nanotechnology is projected to be the establishment of a technological evolutionary of this modern era. Recently, nanotechnology is one of the most active subjects of substantial research in modern material sciences and hence metal nanoparticles have a great scientific interest because of their unique optoelectronic and physicochemical properties with applications in diverse areas such as electronics, catalysis, drug delivery, or sensing. Nanotechnology provides an understanding on fundamental properties of objects at the atomic, molecular, and supramolecular levels. Besides, nanotechnology also leads an alternative technological pathway for the exploration and revolution of biological entities, whereas biology provides role models and biosynthetic constituents to nanotechnology. The findings of this review are important to provide an alternative for the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles. It showed more cost-effective and environmental friendly application as well as easier for large production, with relation to the properties of silver nanoparticles as antimicrobial, can be served well as an alternative antiseptic agent in various fields. Typically, silver nanoparticles are smaller than 100 nm and consist of about 20-15,000 silver atoms. Due to the attractive physical and chemical properties of silver at the nanoscale, the development of silver nanoparticles is expanding in recent years and is nowadays significant for consumer and medical products.

BackgroundThe importance of long term rehabilitation for people with stroke is increasingly evident, yet it is not known whether such services can be materialised in countries with limited community resources. In this study, we explored the perception of rehabilitation professionals and people with stroke towards long term stroke rehabilitation services and potential approaches to enable provision of these services. Views from providers and users are important in ensuring whatever strategies developed for long term stroke rehabilitations are feasible and acceptable.MethodsFocus group discussions were conducted involving 15 rehabilitation professionals and eight long term stroke survivors. All recorded conversations were transcribed verbatim and analysed using the principles of qualitative research.ResultsBoth groups agreed that people with stroke may benefit from more rehabilitation compared to the amount of rehabilitation services presently provided. Views regarding the unavailability of long term rehabilitation services due to multi-factorial barriers were recognised. The groups also highlighted the urgent need for the establishment of community-based stroke rehabilitation centres. Family-assisted home therapy was viewed as a potential approach to continued rehabilitation for long term stroke survivors, given careful planning to overcome several family-related issues.ConclusionsBarriers to the provision of long term stroke rehabilitation services are multi-factorial. Establishment of community-based stroke rehabilitation centres and training family members to conduct home-based therapy are two potential strategies to enable the continuation of rehabilitation for long term stroke survivors.

BackgroundProvision of post stroke care in developing countries is hampered by discoordination of services and limited access to specialised care. Albeit shortcomings, primary care continues to provide post-stroke services in less than favourable circumstances. This paper aimed to review provision of post-stroke care and related problems among Family Medicine Specialists managing public primary health care services.MethodsA semi-structured questionnaire was distributed to 121 Family Physicians servicing public funded health centres in a pilot survey focused on improving post stroke care provision at community level. The questionnaire assessed respondents background and practice details i.e. estimated stroke care burden, current service provision and opinion on service improvement. Means and frequencies described quantitative data. For qualitative data, constant comparison method was used until saturation of themes was reached.ResultsResponse rate of 48.8% was obtained. For every 100 patients seen at public healthcentres each month, 2 patients have stroke. Median number of stroke patients seen per month is 5 (IQR 2-10). 57.6% of respondents estimated total stroke patients treated per year at each centre was less than 40 patients. 72.4% lacked a standard care plan although 96.6% agreed one was needed. Patients seen were: discharged from tertiary care (88.1%), shared care plan with specialists (67.8%) and patients who developed stroke during follow up at primary care (64.4%). Follow-ups were done at 8-12 weekly intervals (60.3%) with 3.4% on ‘as needed’ basis. Referrals ranked in order of frequency were to physiotherapy services, dietitian and speech and language pathologists in public facilities. The FMS’ perceived 4 important ‘needs’ in managing stroke patients at primary care level; access to rehabilitation services, coordinated care between tertiary centres and primary care using multidisciplinary care approach, a standardized guideline and family and caregiver support.ConclusionsPost discharge stroke care guidelines and access to rehabilitation services at primary care is needed for post stroke patients residing at home in the community.