Analysis of Aerosol Optical Depth and Angstrom Exponents over an AERONET site at Pokhara, Nepal

The monthly variability of Aerosol Optical Depth at 0.50 μm (AOD0.50) and Ångström exponents (AE) based on spectral AODs over an Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) site Pokhara are analyzed by using aerosol data of the year 2017. The AOD0.50 are characterized by low average values (0.21± 0.12) in monsoon, and highest values in pre-monsoon (0.67± 0.14) followed by winter (0.46± 0.28) and post-monsoon (0.33±.02) with an overall mean of 0.43 ± 0.02. The average AE obtained by using AODs at 0.44 μm and 0.87 μm is 1.20± 0.04 in pre-monsoon, 1.37± 0.05 in monsoon, 1.41±.01 in post-monsoon, and 1.37± 0.07 in winter with an annual average value of 1.35 ± 0.08. These overall variations of AE indicate that the majority of aerosol loading during the study period was a mixture of fine and coarse mode aerosols and the influence of anthropogenic aerosols. The monthly average AOD suggests low aerosol loading in the months of the monsoon season (June to September) than other months of pre-monsoon season (March to May) and post-monsoon season (October and November). BIBECHANA 18 (1) (2021) 118-12

Analysis of Aerosol Optical Depth and Angstrom Exponents over an AERONET site at Pokhara, Nepal

The monthly variability of Aerosol Optical Depth at 0.50 μm (AOD0.50) and Ångström exponents (AE) based on spectral AODs over an Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) site Pokhara are analyzed by using aerosol data of the year 2017. The AOD0.50 are characterized by low average values (0.21± 0.12) in monsoon, and highest values in pre-monsoon (0.67± 0.14) followed by winter (0.46± 0.28) and post-monsoon (0.33±.02) with an overall mean of 0.43 ± 0.02. The average AE obtained by using AODs at 0.44 μm and 0.87 μm is 1.20± 0.04 in pre-monsoon, 1.37± 0.05 in monsoon, 1.41±.01 in post-monsoon, and 1.37± 0.07 in winter with an annual average value of 1.35 ± 0.08. These overall variations of AE indicate that the majority of aerosol loading during the study period was a mixture of fine and coarse mode aerosols and the influence of anthropogenic aerosols. The monthly average AOD suggests low aerosol loading in the months of the monsoon season (June to September) than other months of pre-monsoon season (March to May) and post-monsoon season (October and November). BIBECHANA 18 (1) (2021) 118-12

Analysis of Aerosol Optical Depth and Angstrom Exponents over an AERONET site at Pokhara, Nepal

The monthly variability of Aerosol Optical Depth at 0.50 μm (AOD0.50) and Ångström exponents (AE) based on spectral AODs over an Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) site Pokhara, are analyzed by using aerosol data of the year 2017. The AOD0.50 are characterized by low average values (0.21± 0.12) in monsoon, and highest values in pre-monsoon (0.67± 0.14) followed by winter (0.46± 0.28) and post-monsoon (0.33±.02) with an overall mean of 0.43 ± 0.02. The average AE obtained by using AODs at 0.44 μm and 0.87 μm is 1.20± 0.04 in pre-monsoon, 1.37± 0.05 in monsoon, 1.41±.01 in post-monsoon, and 1.37± 0.07 in winter with an annual average value of 1.35 ± 0.08. These overall variations of AE indicate that the majority of aerosol loading during the study period was mixture of fine and coarse mode aerosols and the influence of anthropogenic aerosols. The monthly average AOD suggests low aerosol loading in the months of the monsoon season (June to September) than other months of pre-monsoon season (March to May) and post-monsoon season (October and November).&#x0D; BIBECHANA 18 (2021) 118-127</jats:p

Antioxidant, α-Glucosidase, and α-Amylase Inhibition Activities of Erythropalum scandens Blume

Diabetes is a major health problem worldwide, which is increasing day by day. Since ancient times, medicinal plants have been a key source of medicinal agents, and many of them have been authorized as strong medications or drug candidates. This study evaluated the antioxidant, α-glucosidase, and α-amylase inhibition activities of Erythropalum scandens Blume. The plant revealed the significant antioxidant and in vitro antidiabetic activity. The crude methanolic extract reported the highest antioxidant activity with an IC50 of 59.35 ± 5.47 μg/mL, followed by its dichloromethane (DCM) and ethyl acetate (EA) fractions with an IC50 of 66.45 ± 2.46 μg/mL and 80.46 ± 2.69 μg/mL, respectively, as compared to the standard quercetin’s IC50 value of 6.29 ± 1.02 μg/mL. Among the crude extract and its fractions, the EA fraction disclosed the significant inhibiting activity against α-glucosidase and α-amylase with an IC50 value of 17.92 ± 0.88 μg/mL and 44.51 ± 0.12 μg/mL, respectively. This research work has scientifically validated the traditional use of this plant

Cytomegalovirus-associated pancytopenia in a four-month-old infant: a case report

Abstract Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a beta-herpes virus causing common infections, often asymptomatic in healthy individuals. However, it poses increased risks to immunocompromised individuals and can cause congenital infections, leading to severe disabilities. CMV infection can cause significant hematological abnormality. A four-month-old female infant was admitted for decreased feeding for two days. She was severely pale, without hepatosplenomegaly. In initial laboratory investigations hemoglobin, platelet count, and white blood cells were decreased. The patient was transfused with whole blood and referred to a tertiary care center. Further workup, including bone marrow biopsy, showed hypocellular marrow. The Urine CMV Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test returned highly positive with a viral load of 1,700,000 copies/mL. This patient was diagnosed with CMV-associated bone marrow suppression, and she was prescribed valganciclovir at a dosage of 16 mg/kg/dose every 12 h for 6 months. She had shown significant hematologic parameter improvement during subsequent follow-up. Pancytopenia in infancy should include a differential diagnosis for CMV infection. The early recognition and correct infection management, including antiviral therapy and symptomatic treatment, yield a better prognosis

Investigation of Aerosol Climatology and Long-Range Transport of Aerosols over Pokhara, Nepal

This study presents the spectral monthly and seasonal variation of aerosol optical depth (&tau;AOD), single scattering albedo (SSA), and aerosol absorption optical depth (AAOD) between 2010 and 2018 obtained from the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) over Pokhara, Nepal. The analysis of these column-integrated aerosol optical data suggests significant monthly and seasonal variability of aerosol physical and optical properties. The pre-monsoon season (March to May) has the highest observed &tau;AOD(0.75 &plusmn; 0.15), followed by winter (December to February, 0.47 &plusmn; 0.12), post-monsoon (October and November, 0.39 &plusmn; 0.08), and monsoon seasons (June to September, 0.27 &plusmn; 0.13), indicating seasonal aerosol loading over Pokhara. The variability of &Aring;ngstr&ouml;m parameters, &alpha;, and &beta;, were computed from the linear fit line in the logarithmic scale of spectral &tau;AOD, and used to analyze the aerosol physical characteristics such as particle size and aerosol loading. The curvature of spectral &tau;AOD, &alpha;&rsquo;, computed from the second-order polynomial fit, reveals the domination by fine mode aerosol particles in the post-monsoon and winter seasons, with coarse mode dominating in monsoon, and both modes contributing in the pre-monsoon. Analysis of air mass back trajectories and observation of fire spots along with aerosol optical data and aerosol size spectra suggest the presence of mixed types of transboundary aerosols, such as biomass, urban-industrial, and dust aerosols in the atmospheric column over Pokhara

Investigation of Aerosol Climatology and Long-Range Transport of Aerosols over Pokhara, Nepal

This study presents the spectral monthly and seasonal variation of aerosol optical depth (τAOD), single scattering albedo (SSA), and aerosol absorption optical depth (AAOD) between 2010 and 2018 obtained from the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) over Pokhara, Nepal. The analysis of these column-integrated aerosol optical data suggests significant monthly and seasonal variability of aerosol physical and optical properties. The pre-monsoon season (March to May) has the highest observed τAOD(0.75 ± 0.15), followed by winter (December to February, 0.47 ± 0.12), post-monsoon (October and November, 0.39 ± 0.08), and monsoon seasons (June to September, 0.27 ± 0.13), indicating seasonal aerosol loading over Pokhara. The variability of Ångström parameters, α, and β, were computed from the linear fit line in the logarithmic scale of spectral τAOD, and used to analyze the aerosol physical characteristics such as particle size and aerosol loading. The curvature of spectral τAOD, α’, computed from the second-order polynomial fit, reveals the domination by fine mode aerosol particles in the post-monsoon and winter seasons, with coarse mode dominating in monsoon, and both modes contributing in the pre-monsoon. Analysis of air mass back trajectories and observation of fire spots along with aerosol optical data and aerosol size spectra suggest the presence of mixed types of transboundary aerosols, such as biomass, urban-industrial, and dust aerosols in the atmospheric column over Pokhara.</jats:p

Nimesulide-induced Erythema Multiforme Major: A Case Report

Erythema Multiforme Major (EMM) is a rare hypersensitivity reaction that primarily affects the skin and mucosa, typically self-limiting. This case discusses a patient who developed severe EMM lesions after consuming nimesulide, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), for abdominal discomfort. Patient was admitted to the hospital, the drug was discontinued, and supportive measures such as pain management and fluid replacement were initiated. This case, being the first to identify nimesulide as a possible trigger for EMM, aims to contribute to the growing body of knowledge on this topic. It emphasizes the need for vigilance and swift intervention for unusual drug reactions

Job Satisfaction among Medical Doctors in Nepal: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Job satisfaction is an attitudinal variable representing the extent to which people like or dislike their jobs. It is a critical factor influencing healthcare quality, patient outcomes, and overall well-being in medical professionals. This study aimed to determine Job Satisfaction among medical doctors in Nepal. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among medical doctors of Nepal between June 2023 and August 2023 after obtaining ethical approval from the Ethical Review Board of Nepal Health Research Council. A convenience sampling method was used. The point estimate was calculated at a 95% Confidence Interval. Results: Among 380 participants, 63 (16.58%) (12.84-20.32 at 95% Confidence Interval) expressed satisfaction. The number of satisfied participants above 40 years were 10 (16%) and less than 40 years were 53 (84%). Out of 63, 46 (73.02%) were male and 17 (26.98%) were females. Conclusions: Job satisfaction among doctors practicing in Nepal was found to be lower than the studies conducted in similar settings