Advances in Agricultural Biotechnology

Agricultural biotechnology is becoming the major sector in crop improvement through the use of scientific techniques for the modification of genes conferring resistance to biotic, abiotic stress and improving the quality of crops. With the evolvement from Mendelian genetics to molecular biotechnology, there have been several developments in the field of crop improvement. Recent biotechnological advances have aimed towards removing the physiological constraints of the crops and increasing crop yield potential. With the use of different tools of agricultural biotechnologies like genetic engineering, tissue culture, embryo rescue, somatic hybridization, molecular marker-assisted selection, genome doubling, and omics technologies, various transgenic crops have been developed over the decades and have been approved for commercialization. This development and adoption of transgenic technology have been shown to increase crop yields, reduce CO2 emission, reduce pesticide and insecticide use and decrease the costs of crop production.  Even though the biotechnological approach and transgenic organisms have immense potential to contribute to the world’s food security, several concerns of genetically modified crops being a threat to the environment and human health have developed. This review will address applications and concerns of biotechnology in crop improvement considering health hazards and ecological risks

A comparative study of the effect of peeling and drying on phytochemical and proximate composition of ginger varieties in Nepal

The handling and processing of ginger are done by farmers in Nepal by following primitive practices that result in poor and unhygienically processed ginger of low quality. Due to little information on the quality and compositional aspects of ginger and its value-added product (essential oil), there is a need to improve traditional methods of processing and drying for a better quality of ginger and its product. This study aimed to assess the effects of peeling and drying conditions on two local ginger varieties in Nepal. A three-factor Completely Randomized Design (CRD) experiment was laid out at Ginger Research Program, Kapurkot, Salyan, Nepal. Three treatment factors were variety (Bose ginger and Nase ginger varieties), peeling (peeled and unpeeled ginger), and drying methods (direct sun drying and oven drying). After drying ginger rhizomes, the dry recovery percentage was calculated and the dried ginger rhizomes were ground to powder and subjected to laboratory analysis, where essential oil content and proximate composition of ginger powder were evaluated. Then, the extracted essential oil was subjected to GC-MS (Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry) analysis to know the chemical composition of essential oil. The result obtained showed that unpeeled oven-dried gingers retained higher essential oil content (2 %). The moisture content of oven-dried peeled ginger was reduced to 10.49 % which is within the standard of 7-12 % acceptable to the international market unlike that of direct-sun drying which could only attain about 17% moisture content in the study area. Likewise higher dry recovery percentage (22.25%) was observed in unpeeled sun-dried gingers. Ether extract (5.05 %) and crude fiber (5.05 %) were higher in the Nase variety whereas nitrogen-free extract (75.51 %) was more efficient in Bose variety. From the GC-MS analysis of ginger oil, α-Zingiberene (16.61-21 %) was found to be a major chemical constituent of ginger essential oil followed by (E, E)-α-farnesene (8.68-10.99 %) and β-Sesquiphellandrene (8.26-10.23 %). The use of an oven to dry unpeeled ginger will improve the retention of essential oil; However, peeling of ginger showed reduced fiber content in the ginger

Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis: A retrospective Study at a tertiary care hospital in Palpa, Nepal

Background: Extra-pulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) is a significant global health problem. Related studies to it in different places and diff erent durations are indicated by many previous research findings. Findings of this study could be beneficial for its preventive and control strategies. Methodology: Retrospective analysis of clinical specimens submitted to Central laboratory of Lumbini Medical College and Teaching Hospital (LMCTH) for extrapulmonary tuberculosis was performed. Total 261 samples submitted from April 2011 to February 2013 were included for analysis in this study. Results: Total 20.7% (54/261) prevalence of EPTB was reported. Based on sites involved; lymph node 87.03%, pleural effusion7.40%, peritoneal5.55% were found. Genderwise equal prevalence was seen among male and females. Age-wise prevalence among patients between 21-40 years was reported. Conclusion: Our finding indicates great necessity for further large scale study on prevalence of EPTB in this location for its prevention and control

Dental Implants and General Dental Practitioners of Nepal: A study of existing knowledge and need for further education

Background &amp; Objectives: The use of dental implants in partially or completely edentulous patients has proved effective and an accepted treatment modality with predictable long-term success. Dental implants are becoming a popular choice for replacing the missing teeth because of increased awareness about implants both in dentists and patients. The objective of the study was to assess the basic knowledge and education about dental implants among general dental practitioners (GDPs) of Nepal.Materials &amp; Methods:  A cross sectional questionnaire was carried out among 110 GDPs which consist of twenty questions that were divided into three categories; first with some basic knowledge in implant dentistry, second with clinical knowledge of dental implants and third with dental implant education and training.Results: Out of 110 GDPs, 72.7% had basic knowledge about implant dentistry and 65.5% were not aware about advance surgical procedures like sinus lift and guided bone regeneration. All the GDPs were positive regarding more training and education in dental implants and 95.5% of them would like to incorporate dental implant treatment in their practice in future. Conclusion: GDPs should have adequate knowledge and training of dental implants which can be incorporated at undergraduate or post doctoral level so that they are skilled to provide quality dental implant therapy to their patients confidently.</p

Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis: A retrospective Study at a tertiary care hospital in Palpa, Nepal

Background: Extra-pulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) is a significant global health problem. Related studies to it in different places and diff erent durations are indicated by many previous research findings. Findings of this study could be beneficial for its preventive and control strategies. Methodology: Retrospective analysis of clinical specimens submitted to Central laboratory of Lumbini Medical College and Teaching Hospital (LMCTH) for extrapulmonary tuberculosis was performed. Total 261 samples submitted from April 2011 to February 2013 were included for analysis in this study. Results: Total 20.7% (54/261) prevalence of EPTB was reported. Based on sites involved; lymph node 87.03%, pleural effusion7.40%, peritoneal5.55% were found. Genderwise equal prevalence was seen among male and females. Age-wise prevalence among patients between 21-40 years was reported. Conclusion: Our finding indicates great necessity for further large scale study on prevalence of EPTB in this location for its prevention and control

Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis: A retrospective Study at a tertiary care hospital in Palpa, Nepal

Background: Extra-pulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) is a significant global health problem. Related studies to it in different places and diff erent durations are indicated by many previous research findings. Findings of this study could be beneficial for its preventive and control strategies. Methodology: Retrospective analysis of clinical specimens submitted to Central laboratory of Lumbini Medical College and Teaching Hospital (LMCTH) for extrapulmonary tuberculosis was performed. Total 261 samples submitted from April 2011 to February 2013 were included for analysis in this study. Results: Total 20.7% (54/261) prevalence of EPTB was reported. Based on sites involved; lymph node 87.03%, pleural effusion7.40%, peritoneal5.55% were found. Genderwise equal prevalence was seen among male and females. Age-wise prevalence among patients between 21-40 years was reported. Conclusion: Our finding indicates great necessity for further large scale study on prevalence of EPTB in this location for its prevention and control