This study assessed the impact of pollution on the River Ganga at Rishikesh by comparing two sites: Site 1 (Shivpuri), considered a control site, and Site 2 (Pashulok Barrage), which is impacted by pollution from commercial wastewater discharge. Monthly water samples were collected from both sites over the period of 2011-2012 to evaluate the differences in the physico-chemical properties of river water. Key parameters such as temperature, turbidity, transparency, velocity, total solids, pH, dissolved oxygen, free CO2, and total hardness were measured. Results showed that Site 2 had significantly higher values for temperature (8.14%), turbidity (29.39%), total solids (27.40%), pH (1.40%), free CO2 (11.76%), and total hardness (18.83%) compared to Site 1. Additionally, Site 2 exhibited lower transparency (13.93%) and lower velocity (4.34%), while dissolved oxygen levels were significantly lower (6.20%). Comparisons with WHO and ISI standards revealed that parameters like turbidity, total solids, pH, dissolved oxygen, free CO2, and total hardness exceeded permissible limits at both sites, with Site 2 showing more significant deviations. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences (p<0.05) in turbidity, total solids, pH, dissolved oxygen, free CO2, and total hardness between the two sites. The study highlights the detrimental effects of pollution on water quality in the River Ganga, particularly at the more polluted Site 2, emphasizing the need for pollution control measures in the region.
This study assessed the impact of pollution on the River Ganga at Rishikesh by comparing two sites: Site 1 (Shivpuri), considered a control site, and Site 2 (Pashulok Barrage), which is impacted by pollution from commercial wastewater discharge. Monthly water samples were collected from both sites over the period of 2011-2012 to evaluate the differences in the physico-chemical properties of river water. Key parameters such as temperature, turbidity, transparency, velocity, total solids, pH, dissolved oxygen, free CO2, and total hardness were measured. Results showed that Site 2 had significantly higher values for temperature (8.14%), turbidity (29.39%), total solids (27.40%), pH (1.40%), free CO2 (11.76%), and total hardness (18.83%) compared to Site 1. Additionally, Site 2 exhibited lower transparency (13.93%) and lower velocity (4.34%), while dissolved oxygen levels were significantly lower (6.20%). Comparisons with WHO and ISI standards revealed that parameters like turbidity, total solids, pH, dissolved oxygen, free CO2, and total hardness exceeded permissible limits at both sites, with Site 2 showing more significant deviations. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences (p<0.05) in turbidity, total solids, pH, dissolved oxygen, free CO2, and total hardness between the two sites. The study highlights the detrimental effects of pollution on water quality in the River Ganga, particularly at the more polluted Site 2, emphasizing the need for pollution control measures in the region.
Emergency contraception (EC) plays a significant role in reducing unintended pregnancies; however, its use faces opposition, especially concerning concerns about its safety and potential impact on sexual behavior. In Ethiopia, unprotected sex leads to high rates of unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions, particularly among adolescents. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) among female students at Hosanna College of Health Sciences, located in Hosanna town, Hadiya Zone, Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples Region. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from February 20 to March 6, with 263 female students who participated by completing a self-administered questionnaire. The study found that 62% of the respondents were aged 20-24, and 47.9% of them received information about ECPs from health education sources. A significant proportion (35.74%) reported using progesterone-only pills, while 3.8% used both combined oral contraceptives and progesterone-only pills. Regarding knowledge of the correct timing for taking ECPs, 38% were aware, while 62% were not. Half of the participants (50.9%) agreed that ECPs could impact future pregnancies, but 90% reported they did not use ECPs regularly to prevent unwanted pregnancies. This study highlights the need for targeted interventions to improve knowledge and regular use of ECPs among female students in Ethiopia..
The increasing resistance of microbes to conventional chemotherapeutic agents necessitates the exploration of new antimicrobial agents. This study investigates the antimicrobial potential of combined methanolic extracts of Acalypha hispida, Acalypha nervosa, and Acalypha fruticosa. These plants, known for their medicinal properties, were tested against selected microbial strains to evaluate their efficacy. The combined extracts exhibited significant antimicrobial activity, showing potent inhibitory effects on both bacterial and fungal pathogens. The results indicate that the synergistic effect of the three Acalypha species enhances their antimicrobial properties, making them a promising source of natural compounds for the development of new antimicrobial agents. These findings suggest the potential of using Acalypha species in combating microbial infections, particularly in light of growing resistance to synthetic drugs. Further studies are recommended to isolate and identify the active compounds responsible for the observed activity and to evaluate their safety and effectiveness in clinical settings.
Transdermal drug delivery offers distinct advantages over oral administration, such as bypassing the gastrointestinal tract and reducing systemic side effects. However, challenges like the delivery of large molecules and overcoming the stratum corneum barrier have limited its potential. Transfersomes, ultradeformable vesicles introduced in the early 1990s, present a promising solution to these issues. These elastic vesicles can squeeze through pores much smaller than their size, facilitating the transport of drugs across the skin. Composed of phospholipids and surfactants, transfersomes leverage osmotic forces and hydration to enhance permeation through the skin’s lipid layers. Their unique flexibility allows them to carry a wide range of molecules, including hydrophilic, lipophilic, and amphiphilic drugs. This versatility enables the delivery of both low and high molecular weight drugs such as analgesics, corticosteroids, insulin, anticancer agents, and even large proteins like albumin. In addition, transfersomes show promise in novel applications such as peripheral drug targeting and transdermal immunization. By improving the bioavailability of drugs and expanding therapeutic possibilities, transfersomes are poised to revolutionize drug delivery systems.