Authors:
Attaullah Jan [1], Iftikhar Alam [2], Rida Asif [3], Amna [4], Shakeel Ahmad [5],
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37605/v7i1/1
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37605/v7i1/1
Abstract
Background: Interest in multisectoral policies has increased, particularly in lowincome and middle-income countries and efforts towards Sustainable Development Goals, with greater attention to understanding effective strategies for implementation and governance. This study had two objectives: 1) to identify the main stakeholders responsible for child and maternal nutrition during the MDGs period in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province of Pakistan, and 2) to explore and map the composition and structure of the nutrition component of MDGs, identifying key actors engaged in nutrition policy implementation and their patterns of relationships at the provincial level in KP. Methods: Stakeholder identification was conducted using the participatory NetMap tool. Social network analysis (SNA) was used to examine the structure of the actors' network relevant to child and maternal nutrition MDGs. The survey was administered to 108 respondents, producing three distinct network maps about interaction, information-seeking and decision-making patterns. The network measures of centrality, density, reciprocity and centralization were used to understand the network across the province. Results: A total of 17 stakeholders were identified, including Provincial Government (P_Gov), Planning and Development Department (P&D), Ministry of Health (MoH), Board of Investment (BoI), Population Welfare Department (PWD), Agriculture Department (AgD), Ministry of Economic Affairs (MoE), Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST), NonGovernmental Organizations (NGOs), Media, Livestock, Charity Organizations, Elites, Parliament, Academia, and Political Parties. The network analysis results showed that members from MoH, P&D, NGOs, and Provincial Government were the most frequently consulted actors for interaction, information-seeking and decision-making, as they led provincial-level networks. The three networks as a whole displayed high centralization, with P&
Authors:
Nuzhat Ejaz [1], Saadiya Zia [2], Yousra Ibrahim1 [3], Fatma Hussain [4],
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37605/v7i1/2
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37605/v7i1/2
Abstract
Achyranthes aspera is known as a versatile plant due to its therapeutic properties. The current study was designed to measure the efficacy of Achyranthes aspera nanoparticles as compared to the solvent extracts. Antiradical, alpha amylase inhibition, phytotoxicity, and inflammation inhibition potentials were performed to characterize the nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were nearly 116.77nm in size and were positively charged. The methanolic extract exhibited significantly higher phenolic contents and alpha amylase inhibitory activity. While nanoparticles showed maximal flavonoids and anti-inflammatory activity. Almost analogous antioxidant activities were observed in the methanol extract and nanoparticles. All the samples were safer, non-toxic, as evident in the hemolytic assessment. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated different functional groups in extracts (amides, alkanes, amines, ethers, esters, carboxylic acid, alcohol and anhydrides). The presence of p-coumaric acid and chlorogenic acid was confirmed by highperformance liquid chromatography. These functional groups were responsible for the bioactivities and also for the polymerization of chitosan. It is established that some bioactivities of nanoparticles were higher than those of the extracts. Additional studies to streamline the process in animal models are justified to identify possible applications
Authors:
Maham Ghafoor [1], Sumbal Nazir [2], Ishrat Perveen [3], Muhammad Salman Khan [4],
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37605/v7i1/3
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37605/v7i1/3
Abstract
Extensive use of pesticides for enhancing the crop production are widely use raising hazardous health issues. This study investigated the haematological, hormonal, and serological impacts of Endosulfan, a highly toxic organochlorine pesticide, on domestic chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus). In this study, chickens were divided into four groups. One group acted as Control while other three groups exposed to different doses @ 5mg/kg, 15mg/Kg and 25 mg/kg respectively of Endosulfan over 90 days. Blood samples were analyzed for parameters including RBC, WBC, hemoglobin, platelets, and hormone levels (testosterone), alongside serological and behavioral assessments. It was observed that Endosulfan exposure led to changes in blood cell counts and hormone levels. Red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) counts increased, likely due to the body's response to the pesticide's toxicity. However, platelet numbers decreased in some cases. Additionally, it was observed a decrease in testosterone levels. It was concluded that endosulfan create harmful effects on chickens' health and emphasizes the need to reduce pesticide use to protect both animals and the environment. Banning highly toxic pesticides like Endosulfan should be done for the safeguard ecosystems and human health.
Volume No. 07
Issue No. 01
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