Comparative Economics of Maize Grain and Seed Production in Okhaldhunga District, Nepal

Maize cultivation is the one the major farm activities among Nepalese farmers. Basically, in the rural hills of Nepal like Okhaldhunga, it dominates any other crop production. The study was conducted for comparative assessment of economics, marketing and identification of major problems of maize seed and grain production in the hilly eastern district, Okhaldhunga during June of 2017. The data were obtained through the interview of 66 producers (33 each of maize grain and seed producers) with a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and parametric tests (-test, t-test) were applied. Both the grain and the seed producers were similar in terms of socio-demographic characteristics, marketing accessibilities but the seed producers were significantly benefited from the training, the extension services, credit facilities despite having 0.14 ha lesser landholding than grain producers. The inputs (manures, fertilizers and the seed) contributed 48% and 50% of the total cost incurred for grain and seed production respectively and the pre-sowing and sowing activities contributed more than 77% of cost in both cases. Despite higher cost for seed production (NRs. 24,969 more than grain production), the benefit-cost ratio of seed production was found higher (1.31) than grain production (1.05). Only 24% of the total harvest was processed and marketed as seed and using optimum quantity (66% middle portion of the cob) for seed production could further increase the income by 23.35%, the improved B:C ratio being 1.51 . The major production problems were scarce farm labor followed by lack of infrastructures while low seasonal price followed by low volume of production ranked the first and second most important marketing related problems

Comparative economics of maize grain and seed production in Okhaldhunga district, Nepal

Maize cultivation is the one the major farm activities among Nepalese farmers. Basically, in the rural hills of Nepal like Okhaldhunga, it dominates any other crop production. The study was conducted for comparative assessment of economics, marketing and identification of major problems of maize seed and grain production in the hilly eastern district, Okhaldhunga during June of 2017. The data were obtained through the interview of 66 producers (33 each of maize grain and seed producers) with a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and parametric tests (-test, t-test) were applied. Both the grain and the seed producers were similar in terms of socio-demographic characteristics, marketing accessibilities but the seed producers were significantly benefited from the training, the extension services, credit facilities despite having 0.14 ha lesser landholding than grain producers. The inputs (manures, fertilizers and the seed) contributed 48% and 50% of the total cost incurred for grain and seed production respectively and the pre-sowing and sowing activities contributed more than 77% of cost in both cases. Despite higher cost for seed production (NRs. 24,969 more than grain production), the benefit-cost ratio of seed production was found higher (1.31) than grain production (1.05). Only 24% of the total harvest was processed and marketed as seed and using optimum quantity (66% middle portion of the cob) for seed production could further increase the income by 23.35%, the improved B:C ratio being 1.51 . The major production problems were scarce farm labor followed by lack of infrastructures while low seasonal price followed by low volume of production ranked the first and second most important marketing related problems

Gut Microbiome and Colorectal Adenomas

The trillions of bacteria that naturally reside in the human gut collectively constitute the complex system known the gut microbiome, a vital player for the host’s homeostasis and health. However, there is mounting evidence that dysbiosis, a state of pathological imbalance in the gut microbiome is present in many disease states. In this review, we present recent insights concerning the gut microbiome’s contribution to the development of colorectal adenomas and the subsequent progression to colorectal cancer (CRC). In the United States alone, CRC is the second leading cause of cancer deaths. As a result, there is a high interest in identifying risk factors for adenomas, which are intermediate precursors to CRC. Recent research on CRC and the microbiome suggest that modulation of the gut bacterial composition and structure may be useful in preventing adenomas and CRC. We highlight the known risk factors for colorectal adenomas and the potential mechanisms by which microbial dysbiosis may contribute to the etiology of CRC. We also underscore novel findings from recent studies on the gut microbiota and colorectal adenomas along with current knowledge gaps. Understanding the microbiome may provide promising new directions towards novel diagnostic tools, biomarkers, and therapeutic interventions for CRC

Cloning, Expression, Purification, and Characterization of Clostridium botulinum Neurotoxin Serotype F Domains

The use of recombinant BoNT domains has been proposed as a means to develop strategies to treat and prevent botulism. Here, details on the molecular cloning, protein expression, purification, and immunoreactivity of BoNT/F domains from Clostridium botulinum are presented. Initially, full-length synthetic genes encoding recombinant BoNT/F domains (catalytic, translocation, and receptor binding) were designed and cloned into Escherichia coli for expression. Recombinant proteins were then purified through GST affinity chromatography preceding elution of GST-free recombinant domains by thrombin protease. Soluble recombinant proteins encoding catalytic light chain and translocation N-terminal heavy chain were subsequently used to perform in vivo immunization. Polyclonal mouse antibodies specific to these domains were raised, confirmed by Western blot analysis and elevated immunoreactivity was identified through indirect ELISA. In conclusion, availability of the recombinant protein provides an effective system to study the immunological aspects of BoNT/F and corresponding applications in pathogen detection and vaccine candidacy. Keywords: Clostridium botulunium; Botulinum Neurotoxin Type F (BoNT/F) domains; cloning; recombinant protein expression; immunoreactivity DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njb.v2i1.5634 Nepal Journal of Biotechnology Jan.2012, Vol.2(1): 1-1

An individual randomised efficacy trial of autologous blood products, leukocyte and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF), to promote ulcer healing in leprosy in Nepal : the TABLE trial protocol

Background: Leprosy is curable with multidrug therapy and treatment in the early stages can prevent disability. However, local nerve damage can lead to injury and consequently recurring and disfiguring ulcers. The aim of this study is to evaluate the treatment of leprosy ulcers using an autologous blood product; leukocyte and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) to promote healing. Methods: This is a single-centre study in the Anandaban Hospital, The Leprosy Mission Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal. Consenting patients (n=130) will be individually randomised in a single-blinded, controlled trial. Participants will be 18 years of age or older, admitted to the hospital with a clean, dry and infection-free chronic foot ulcer between 2 and 20 cm2 in size. If the ulcer is infected, it will be treated before enrolment into the study. The intervention involves the application of leukocyte and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) matrix on the ulcer beds during twice-weekly dressing changes. Controls receive usual care in the form of saline dressings only during their twice-weekly dressing changes. Primary outcomes are the rate of healing assessed using standardised photographs by observers blind to allocated treatment, and time to complete re-epithelialization. Follow-up is at 6 months from randomisation. Discussion: This research will provide valuable information on the clinical and cost-effectiveness of L-PRF in the treatment of leprosy ulcers. An additional benefit is the evaluation of the effects of treatment on quality of life for people living with leprosy ulcers. The results will improve our understanding of the scalability of this treatment across low-income countries for ulcer healing in leprosy and potentially other conditions such as diabetic ulcers. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.govISRCTN14933421. Registered on 16 June 202

Gut Microbiome and Colorectal Adenomas

The trillions of bacteria that naturally reside in the human gut collectively constitute the complex system known the gut microbiome, a vital player for the host’s homeostasis and health. However, there is mounting evidence that dysbiosis, a state of pathological imbalance in the gut microbiome is present in many disease states. In this review, we present recent insights concerning the gut microbiome’s contribution to the development of colorectal adenomas and the subsequent progression to colorectal cancer (CRC). In the United States alone, CRC is the second leading cause of cancer deaths. As a result, there is a high interest in identifying risk factors for adenomas, which are intermediate precursors to CRC. Recent research on CRC and the microbiome suggest that modulation of the gut bacterial composition and structure may be useful in preventing adenomas and CRC. We highlight the known risk factors for colorectal adenomas and the potential mechanisms by which microbial dysbiosis may contribute to the etiology of CRC. We also underscore novel findings from recent studies on the gut microbiota and colorectal adenomas along with current knowledge gaps. Understanding the microbiome may provide promising new directions towards novel diagnostic tools, biomarkers, and therapeutic interventions for CRC

Apt (Adenine Phosphoribosyltransferase) Mutation in Laboratory-Selected Vancomycin-Intermediate Staphylococcus aureus

Comparative genomic sequencing of laboratory-derived vancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcusaureus (VISA) (MM66-3 and MM66-4) revealed unique mutations in both MM66-3 (in apt and ssaA6), and MM66-4 (in apt and walK), compared to hetero-VISA parent strain MM66. Transcriptional profiling revealed that both MM66 VISA shared 79 upregulated genes and eight downregulated genes. Of these, 30.4% of the upregulated genes were associated with the cell envelope, whereas 75% of the downregulated genes were associated with virulence. In concordance with mutations and transcriptome alterations, both VISA strains demonstrated reduced autolysis, reduced growth in the presence of salt and reduced virulence factor activity. In addition to mutations in genes linked to cell wall metabolism (ssaA6 and walK), the same mutation in apt which encodes adenine phosphoribosyltransferase, was confirmed in both MM66 VISA. Apt plays a role in both adenine metabolism and accumulation and both MM66 VISA grew better than MM66 in the presence of adenine or 2-fluoroadenine indicating a reduction in the accumulation of these growth inhibiting compounds in the VISA strains. MM66 apt mutants isolated via 2-fluoroadenine selection also demonstrated reduced susceptibility to the cell wall lytic dye Congo red and vancomycin. Finding that apt mutations contribute to reduced vancomycin susceptibility once again suggests a role for altered purine metabolism in a VISA mechanism

Vulnerabilities for Exposure to Emerging Infectious Disease at Urban Settlements in Nepal.

In Nepal, rapid urbanization and rural-to-urban migration especially due to internal civil conflict have catalyzed the development of temporary settlements, often along rivers on undeveloped land. This study conducted surveillance for viruses in small mammals and assessed potential risks for virus transmission to people in urban settlements along rivers in Kathmandu, Nepal. We collected samples from 411 small mammals (100 rodents and 311 shrews) at four riverside settlement sites and detected six viruses from four virus families including Thottapalayam virus; a strain of murine coronavirus; two new paramyxoviruses; and two new rhabdoviruses. Additionally, we conducted surveys of 264 residents to characterize animal-human contact. Forty-eight percent of individuals reported contact with wildlife, primarily with rodents and shrews (91%). Our findings confirm that rodents and shrews should be considered a health threat for residents of temporary settlements, and that assessment of disease transmission risk coupled with targeted surveillance for emerging pathogens could lead to improved disease control and health security for urban populations. Additionally, interventions focused on disease prevention should consider the unique urban ecology and social dynamics in temporary settlements, along with the importance of community engagement for identifying solutions that address specific multi-dimensional challenges that life on the urban river margins presents