Child protection in Pakistan: Legislation & implementation

Children are an integral part of any society. Their dependency on others for the fulfilment of their basic needs like food, shelter, education, safety and security makes them a vulnerable group. Society is judged on its ability to provide for the needs of the vulnerable. Provision of each of these needs is the responsibility of primary caregivers but requires assistance from multiple agencies working at the national level to ensure an effective delivery. Children’s rights can be defined as “the rights, which are concerned both with the protection of the individual child and with the creation of the conditions in which all children can develop to their full potential.” [1] The larger domains in which these rights are usurped are those related to education, health, neglect, abuse (physical, emotional, and sexual), corporal punishment, and child labour

An in-vitro evaluation of skin protection factor of non-polar date seed extract from three different date varieties Ajwa, Aseel and Khapra by UV spectrophotometry

Objective: Skin is the primary layer of human body which act as protective barrier against exogenous chemicals, UV radiations as well as microorganisms. Maintaining the skin morphology under regular environmental stresses and controlling age related skin changes is one of the biggest challenges for modern science, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industry. These environmental stresses, such as excessive exposure to UV radiations, can even lead to the devastating skin disorders such as skin cancer. Dates seed has capability to protect skin against the damages caused by solar radiations, which mostly appear in the forms of wrinkles and some other skin related issues. Methods: Therefore, current research is focused on to analyze sun protection factor (SPF) of two non-polar fractions obtained from crushed seeds of three different varieties of i.e., Ajwa, Aseel and Khapra. Results: Results indicate that the highest value of SPF was found in AEA i.e., 15.061 at 200ppm while no difference was observed in the SPF values of KPPE. Conclusion: Hence, it could be concluded that the ethyl acetate fraction of all date seed varieties could be potential Ajwa, Aseel and Khapra could be a promising source of cosmetic and pharmaceutical preparations due to the potential SPF value except petroleum ether of Khapra extract

TRANSFORMATION OF INDIAN NATIONALISM AND ‘OTHERIZATION’ OF MUSLIMS IN INDIA

India has altered its military stratagem under the Modi government from nuclear deterrence to offensive defence. The constant use of offensive defence in the milieu of deliberate political aggression against Pakistan and victimization of the Muslim community in India is making Indian military doctrine a hostage of hyper-nationalistic politics of Hindutva. Since its rise to power, the BJP government has conflated anti-Muslim and anti-Pakistan approaches. Pakistan remains a crucial factor in its domestic, diplomatic, and foreign policy rhetoric. The internal discord and surge of violence against the Muslim population, as evident by 2020-riots in north-eastern New Delhi, are indicative of vigorous reforming of the national identity of India dominated by Hindutva ideology. Therefore, this paper addresses Hindu nationalism, which arose as a political ideology and caused an insecure environment for Indian Muslims while becoming precarious for Pakistan. It infers that Hindu nationalism, along with its assimilation approach towards minorities, is gradually asserting exclusionary conception of a state where cultural and political centrality of Hindutva has become a core theme.   Bibliography Entry Shahzad, Aisha, Sadia Mahmood Falki, and Asma Sana Bilal. 2021. "Transformation of Indian Nationalism and ‘Otherization’ of Muslims in India." Margalla Papers 25 (1): 48-58

Role of Dalak (Massage) in management of Depression: A Review

BismllahirRehman Nirraheem, Nahmaduhu wa Nusallihi Ala Rasoolihil Kareem. Health is an essential component of life and it is necessary to live happy life.  Health and diseases not only affect individual but also affects society. There are number of factors which are responsible for health and disease. According to Unani System of Medicine Asbab-e-Sittah Zarooriyah and Ghair Zarooriyah are important factors amongst them. Balance in these factors produces tabai khilt (normal humorous) such as Tabai balgham (normal phelghm), tabai safra (normal yellow bile), tabai sauda (normal black bile) etc, these tabai khilt produces good health and any disturbance in it leads to ill health/disease, because disturbances in componants of asbab-e-sittah zarooriyah leads to increase in abnormal khilt such as ghair tabai souda (abnormal black bile), ghair tabai balgham (abnormal phlegm), ghair tabai safra (abnormal yellow bile) etc. Harkat-wa-Sukoon Nafsani is a component of asbab-e-sittah zarooriyah, disturbance in it leads to ghair tabai sauoda, which is responsible for psychological disorders such as anxiety, depression etc. There are number of regimens such as Ilaj-bil Ghiza, Ilaj-bil-Tadabeer, Ilal-bil-Dawa and Ilj-bil-Yad, used to maintain health, for prevention and to control the diseases . One of the best example is dalak(massage) which is a component of Ilaj-bil-Tadabeer and play a very important role in management of depression. Some studies also proven its efficacy in the management of depression and many other diseases. Time, season, age, locality etc. play very important in it. Keywords: depression, Dalak, Asbab-e-Sittah Zarooriyah, ghair tabai souda, khilt,&nbsp

Efficacy of Riyazat (Exercise) in the Management of Diabetes Mellitus: A Review

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic ailment categorized by the presence of hyperglycemia due to defective insulin secretion, defective insulin action or both. It is a chronic disease caused by inherited and/or acquired factors. Obesity and sedentary life style are one of the most causative factors of diabetes mellitus or type 2 dm aka (non-insulin dependent diabetes). Unani system of Medicine which is one of the main parts of TCAM (traditional complementary and alternative system of medicine) have a holistic approach for every disease. Ancient Unani scholars have advised a six-essential theory for the wellbeing of human being i.e. Asbab-e-Sitta Zarroriyah which include very good approach for the management of NCDs. Diabetes mellitus is one of NCDs which have increasing drastically from last 2 decades. Among Asbab-e-Sitta Zarroriyah, Harkat-wa-sukoon-e-badni will play a major roll in the management of NCDs. Among all, Riyazat (exercise) is the actual basic and useful way for preservation of health.  Physical activity includes all movement that increases consumption of energy, whereas exercise is planned, structured physical activity. Exercise increase uptake of glucose by skeletal muscle so, improves blood glucose level in type 2 diabetes, reduces cardiovascular risk factors, contributes to weight loss, and improves well-being. Unani physicians in 2nd and 3rd AD century have paved great attention towards this important task in ratiocinative way. Unani physicians provided perceptions about timing, modes, and benefits of Riyazat.  Babylonians, Egyptians, Greeks and Mesopotamians all the ancient has tried to suggest the best ways for the human achievements of well beingness from very beginning, human is very curious about health and its prevention.  In this review paper, it will be tried to provide the benefitting knowledge to the humanity about exercise which improves blood glucose levels in type 2 DM patients to save the health and promote the life. Keywords: Riyazat; Greek physicians; Unani; Humor; Mizaj, Exercis

An Updated Review on Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and the Current Approaches for Its Treatment

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic self-inflicted inflammatory disease that primarily affects middle-aged women. Globally, 1% of people live with RA. This review aims to provide updated information on the different aspects of RA, including its epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and management. A web-based literature search was conducted through various databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct, to identify the most relevant studies. Epidemiological studies have suggested that the prevalence and occurrence of RA have remained inconsistent across geographical areas in different periods. Many factors such as age, gender, inheritances, and environmental exposure can contribute to the severity of the disease. The acute form of RA usually presents with pain, and if left untreated, it can result in joint deformities and influence a patient’s quality of life (QoL). RA diagnosis is usually based on the manifestation of pain with inflammation. Currently, many therapeutic strategies are available for the cure of RA. The management of daily routine activities is required with treatment to curtail the damage, avoid future deformities, and ultimately minimize the aching trouble of the patient

A concise overview of advancements in ultrasensitive biosensor development

Electrochemical biosensing has evolved as a diverse and potent method for detecting and analyzing biological entities ranging from tiny molecules to large macromolecules. Electrochemical biosensors are a desirable option in a variety of industries, including healthcare, environmental monitoring, and food safety, due to significant advancements in sensitivity, selectivity, and portability brought about by the integration of electrochemical techniques with nanomaterials, bio-recognition components, and microfluidics. In this review, we discussed the realm of electrochemical sensors, investigating and contrasting the diverse strategies that have been harnessed to push the boundaries of the limit of detection and achieve miniaturization. Furthermore, we assessed distinct electrochemical sensing methods employed in detection such as potentiometers, amperometers, conductometers, colorimeters, transistors, and electrical impedance spectroscopy to gauge their performance in various contexts. This article offers a panoramic view of strategies aimed at augmenting the limit of detection (LOD) of electrochemical sensors. The role of nanomaterials in shaping the capabilities of these sensors is examined in detail, accompanied by insights into the chemical modifications that enhance their functionality. Furthermore, our work not only offers a comprehensive strategic framework but also delineates the advanced methodologies employed in the development of electrochemical biosensors. This equips researchers with the knowledge required to develop more accurate and efficient detection technologies

The Pakistan risk of myocardial infarction study: A resource for the study of genetic, lifestyle and other determinants of myocardial infarction in south Asia

The burden of coronary heart disease (CHD) is increasing at a greater rate in South Asia than in any other region globally, but there is little direct evidence about its determinants. The Pakistan Risk of Myocardial Infarction Study (PROMIS) is an epidemiological resource to enable reliable study of genetic, lifestyle and other determinants of CHD in South Asia. By March 2009, PROMIS had recruited over 5,000 cases of first-ever confirmed acute myocardial infarction (MI) and over 5,000 matched controls aged 30-80 years. For each participant, information has been recorded on demographic factors, lifestyle, medical and family history, anthropometry, and a 12-lead electrocardiogram. A range of biological samples has been collected and stored, including DNA, plasma, serum and whole blood. During its next stage, the study aims to expand recruitment to achieve a total of about 20,000 cases and about 20,000 controls, and, in subsets of participants, to enrich the resource by collection of monocytes, establishment of lymphoblastoid cell lines, and by resurveying participants. Measurements in progress include profiling of candidate biochemical factors, assay of 45,000 variants in 2,100 candidate genes, and a genomewide association scan of over 650,000 genetic markers. We have established a large epidemiological resource for CHD in South Asia. In parallel with its further expansion and enrichment, the PROMIS resource will be systematically harvested to help identify and evaluate genetic and other determinants of MI in South Asia. Findings from this study should advance scientific understanding and inform regionally appropriate disease prevention and control strategies

Antibiotic utilization patterns for different wound types among surgical patients : findings and implications

Antimicrobial prophylaxis is effective in reducing the rate of surgical site infections (SSIs) post operatively. However, there are concerns with the extent of extend prophylaxis post-operatively especially among low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This increases antimicrobial re-sistance (AMR), which is a key issue in Pakistan. Consequently, we conducted an observational cross-sectional study among 583 patients undergoing surgery at a leading teaching hospital in Pakistan with respect to the choice, time and duration of antimicrobials to prevent SSIs. Identi-fied varables included post-op prophylactic antimicrobials given to all patients in all surgical procedures. In addition, cephalosporins were frequently used for all surgical procedures and among these, the use of third generation cephalosporins was common. The duration of post-operative prophylaxis was 3-4 days, appreciably longer than guideline suggestions, with most patients prescribed antimicrobials up to discharge. The inappropriate choice of antimicrobials combined with prolonged post-operative antibiotic administration post-operatively need to be addressed. This includes appropriate interventions, including antimicrobial stewardship pro-grams, which have been successful in other LMICs to improve antibiotic utilization associated with SSIs and reduce AM