Comparative Study of Impact of Azotobacter and Trichoderma with Other Fertilizers on Maize Growth

Biofertilizers may be a better eco-friendly option to maintain soil fertility. The study was conducted to investigate the effect of Azotobacter and Trichoderma on the vegetative growth of maize (Zea mays L.) plants. The experiment was carried out in medium sized pots, at IAAS, Lamjung (Feb 2017 - May 2017) in completely randomized design (CRD), consisting eight treatments and three replications. Treatments were namely T1 (control), T2 (Azotobacter), T3 (Trichoderma), T4 (Azotobacter + Trichoderma), T5 (NPK), T6 (Azotobacter + Trichoderma + FYM), T7 (Azotobacter + Trichoderma + FYM + NPK), T8 (FYM). Azotobacter showed a positive increase in plant height, stem girth, dry shoot weight, root length and width, and root weight while Trichoderma displayed either negative or minimal impact. Effect of FYM was lower than Azotobacter but considerably higher than Trichoderma. Trichoderma seriously inhibited the expression of Azotobacter when used together. Trichoderma even suppressed the outcome (except shoot weight) of FYM when used together. Root length was the longest in Azotobacter inoculation. The highest number of leaves was in T7 followed by Azotobacter (T2) and NPK (T5). Unlike leaf width, Azotobacter showed a negligible increase in leaves length while Trichoderma wherever present showed the negative impact. Minimum chlorophyll content was found in Azotobacter or Trichoderma after 73 days. Azotobacter treatment showed early tasseling than Trichoderma. The association of Azotobacter and Trichoderma increased the biomass. Azotobacter has significant effects on growth parameters of maize and can supplement chemical fertilizer, while Trichoderma was found to inhibit most of the growth parameters

Study of In-vitro Antioxidant and Antibacterial activity of leaf extract of Azadirachta indica, and Ocimum sanctum in different organic solvents and Cow urine

Background: Neem (Azadirachta indica), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) and Cow urine (Bos indicus) has been widely used as a therapeutic potential or additive agent in different ethnomedicinal practices as well as modern science also proved its therapeutic potential to treat various diseases and balance the body conditions. Aims: Alone study on Neem, Tulsi and Cow urine (CU) has been widely performed but this study aims to evaluate the individual as well as synergistic antioxidant and antibacterial activity of Neem, and Tulsi’s leaves extract in different organic solvents and Cow urine. Materials and Methods: Antioxidant activity was carried out by using 2,2-Diphenyl1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and the antibacterial activity was tested by the agar disc diffusion method against gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus)  and gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris and Klebsiella species) bacteria. Results: The antioxidant and antibacterial activity is concentration-dependent. The neem extract in chloroform shows the highest ZOI against S. aureus (14±2). Similarly, the neem extract in cow urine (8±0.86) and tulsi extract in methanol (8±1.04) shows the highest ZOI against E. coli. Against K. species cow urine is most effective (9±0.29) followed by neem extract in chloroform and cow urine (8±0.77). In P. vulgaris almost all sample shows ZOI around 7 mm. In synergistic antibacterial study tulsi and neem extract in cow urine shows the highest ZOI against E. coli (12±1.75) and P. vulgaris (10±1.44). The tulsi and neem extract in hexane is not effective against S. aureus and E. coli but effective in P. vulgaris and K. species (ZOI 7 mm). Tulsi and neem extract in chloroform, methanol, and cow urine show similar ZOI (9 mm). In DPPH free radical scavenging activity the methanolic extract of tulsi shows the highest inhibition of free radicle (96.35±0.001), followed by methanolic extract of neem (84.85±0.042). The fresh cow urine inhibits (25.19±0.037) followed by neem extract in chloroform (24.53±0.003), neem extract in cow urine (21.8±0.012), tulsi extract in chloroform (20.86±0.047), tulsi extract in hexane (19.5±0.031), tulsi extract in cow urine (18.33±0.023) and the least inhibition by neem extract in hexane (6.74±0.042)

Attempting affirmative political ecologies: Collective transformative learning for social justice in Nepal's community forestry

Whilst political ecology scholarship has contributed much to articulating social injustices associated with Nepal's community forestry, here we took a different approach, by attempting an 'affirmative political ecology.' We drew on feminist and activist scholarship to inspire collective action that engaged directly with challenges of social justice and those charged with delivering it through their work. Guided by theories and practices of 'transformative learning' and a range of associated reflective practices, our participatory action research involved 4 facilitators and (up to) 25 participants who work across Nepal's forest bureaucracy (and for some, the wider community-based natural resource management sector). Together physically, remotely and through our writing, we reflect upon the operation of power in our professional – and personal – lives, exploring how that may enable a more informed and meaningful engagement with social justice within the workplace, and beyond. This article presents the process of our collective reflection and learning, and shares some of its initial outcomes based on the experiences of the 15 co-authors. Whilst 'simply' having the time and space to come together was hugely important, it was the form and feel of that space that was particularly significant, as we focused on co-creating a safe space which was non-judgmental and based on mutual respect, enabling comfortable and open discussion of often unspoken and uncomfortable issues. Ultimately, this article argues that collective practices of reflection and transformative learning can create shared learning, understanding, empathy and solidarity, and thus that it offers hope in the face of on-going social injustices. It therefore urges political ecologists to work towards such caring and affirmative collective engagements with practitioners as one way in which to affect change

Comparative study of impact of Azotobacter and Trichoderma with other fertilizers on maize growth

Biofertilizers may be a better eco-friendly option to maintain soil fertility. The study was conducted to investigate the effect of Azotobacter and Trichoderma on the vegetative growth of maize (Zea mays L.) plants. The experiment was carried out in medium sized pots, at IAAS, Lamjung (Feb 2017 - May 2017) in completely randomized design (CRD), consisting eight treatments and three replications. Treatments were namely T1 (control), T2 (Azotobacter), T3 (Trichoderma), T4 (Azotobacter + Trichoderma), T5 (NPK), T6 (Azotobacter + Trichoderma + FYM), T7 (Azotobacter + Trichoderma + FYM + NPK), T8 (FYM). Azotobacter showed a positive increase in plant height, stem girth, dry shoot weight, root length and width, and root weight while Trichoderma displayed either negative or minimal impact. Effect of FYM was lower than Azotobacter but considerably higher than Trichoderma. Trichoderma seriously inhibited the expression of Azotobacter when used together. Trichoderma even suppressed the outcome (except shoot weight) of FYM when used together. Root length was the longest in Azotobacter inoculation. The highest number of leaves was in T7 followed by Azotobacter (T2) and NPK (T5). Unlike leaf width, Azotobacter showed a negligible increase in leaves length while Trichoderma wherever present showed the negative impact. Minimum chlorophyll content was found in Azotobacter or Trichoderma after 73 days. Azotobacter treatment showed early tasseling than Trichoderma. The association of Azotobacter and Trichoderma increased the biomass. Azotobacter has significant effects on growth parameters of maize and can supplement chemical fertilizer, while Trichoderma was found to inhibit most of the growth parameters

Andersen’s model on determining the factors associated with antenatal care services in Nepal: an evidence-based analysis of Nepal demographic and health survey 2016

Background With the formulation of the National Safe Motherhood Policy in 1998, safe motherhood has forever been a priority program in Nepal. Under the safe motherhood program, every woman is provided with essential maternal health care services until now through the four-tire district health care system. There is a considerable increase in the utilization of antenatal care (ANC) by a skilled health provider from 2011 to 2016, 58 to 84%, respectively. However, inequality, exclusion, and under-utilization in health care services continue in many regions of Nepal. The present study aimed to explore the different types of socio-demographic factors associated with current ANC service utilization in Nepal. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using the Nepal Demographic and Health Surveys data (DHS-7, 2016–2017). We estimated the latest pregnancy and live births in recent 5 years with the utilization of ANC services, and socio-economic differentials in these indicators under the framework of the Andersen behavioral model. Results Two in three (69.8%) with last birth accessed at least four ANC visits. The rate of live birth was about 98.6% in the ANC4+ group, higher than that of 96.8% in the ANC4- group (χ2: 14.742, P <  0.001). In the multilevel logistic regression analysis, we found that women from province 2 (OR: 0.48; 95%CI: 0.32–0.74) and province 6 (OR: 0.46; 95%CI: 0.30–0.71) were significantly less likely to visit ANC 4 or more times. Age (OR: 0.95; 95%CI: 0.93–0.96) was also significantly associated with the frequency of ANC visits. Level of Women’s education and education of her partner were both significantly associated with the ANC visits: women (OR: 4.64; 95%CI: 3.05–7.05) and her partner (OR: 1.45; 95%CI: 1.01–2.06) having higher education were most likely to go for the recommended number of ANC visits. Moreover, women having exposure to multimedia were more likely to go for four or more ANC check-ups. Conclusions The results highlight the need for governments and health care providers to develop special health promotion program with a focus on the vulnerable and disadvantaged and to use multi-media for maternal health literacy improvement flexibly, and maternal health system strengthening

A Multilevel Analysis to Determine the Factors Associated with Institutional Delivery in Nepal: Further Analysis of Nepal Demographic and Health Survey 2016

Background: One out of two neonatal deaths and 2 out of 5 maternal deaths occur at home in Nepal. An essential intervention in reducing maternal mortality and neonatal death is institutional delivery. The objective of this study was to find out the external environmental, predisposing, and enabling factors associated with the use of institutional delivery care in Nepal. Methods: Data from Nepal Demographic and Health Surveys (NDHS) 2016 was used to estimate socio-economic, provincial, and use of media differentials with institutional delivery under the Andersen behavioral model framework using multilevel regression analysis. Results: More than half of the women (60.9%) among 3899 women with last birth had their babies delivered in a health facility. In the multilevel logistic regression analysis, we found that women from province 2 (OR = 0.47 95%CI: 0.28-0.79) were significantly less likely to deliver in health institutions, and province 7 (OR = 1.76, 95%CI: 1.05-2.94) were significantly more likely deliver in a health institution. Age (OR = 0.94, 95%CI: 0.92-0.95) was also significantly associated with the place of delivery. Women with higher education (OR = 3.17, 95%CI: 2.09-4.81) were most likely to go for institutional delivery. The odds of women opting for institutional delivery were 3 folds more for those who had visited Antenatal Care (ANC) 4 or more times compared to those who did not. Conclusion: The results highlight the need for governments and health care providers to emphasize the promotion of institutional delivery and ANC visits as per protocol with a special focus on underprivileged communities. The use of multi-media is a vital strategy to promote the use of institutional delivery services

Dietary nutrients of relative importance associated with coronary artery disease: Public health implication from random forest analysis.

Dietary nutrients have significant effects on the risk of cardiovascular diseases. However, the results were not uniform across different countries. The study aims to determine the relative importance of dietary nutrients associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) among the Nepalese population. A hospital-based matched case-control study was carried out at Shahid Gangalal National Heart Center in Nepal. In the present study, patients with more than seventy percent stenosis in any main coronary artery branch in angiography were defined as cases, while those presenting normal coronary angiography or negative for stressed exercise test were considered controls. Dietary intakes of 612 respondents over the past 12 months were evaluated using a semi-quantitative customized food frequency questionnaire. In conditional regression model, the daily average dietary intake of β-carotene (OR: 0.54; 95%CI: 0.34, 0.87), and vitamin C (OR: 0.96; 95%CI: 0.93, 0.99) were inversely, whereas dietary carbohydrate (OR: 1.16; 95%CI: 1.1, 1.24), total fat/oil (OR: 1.47; 95%CI: 1.27, 1.69), saturated fatty acid (SFA) (OR: 1.2; 95%CI: 1.11, 1.3), cholesterol (OR: 1.01; 95%CI: 1.001, 1.014), and iron intakes (OR: 1.11; 95%CI: 1.03, 1.19) were positively linked with CAD. Moreover, in random forest analysis, the daily average dietary intakes of SFA, vitamin A, total fat/oil, β-carotene, and cholesterol were among the top five nutrients (out of 12 nutrients variables) of relative importance associated with CAD. The nutrients of relative importance imply a reasonable preventive measure in public health nutrients specific intervention to prevent CAD in a resource-poor country like Nepal. The findings are at best suggestive of a possible relationship between these nutrients and the development of CAD, but prospective cohort studies and randomized control trials will need to be performed in the Nepalese population

An unusual case of Zieve's syndrome in a 36‐year‐old male with latent autoimmune diabetes of adult and disseminated intravascular coagulation

Key Clinical Message Zieve's syndrome, associated with chronic alcoholism, manifests as hemolytic anemia, transient hyperlipidemia, and cholestatic jaundice. Key symptoms comprise nausea, abdominal pain, and jaundice. Diagnosis relies on recognizing the triad in those with an alcohol use history. Supportive management includes blood transfusions and alcohol cessation. The exact pathophysiology remains uncertain, with hypotheses ranging from alcohol‐induced liver damage to autoimmune processes. The report emphasizes diagnostic complexities, particularly when concurrent with autoimmune disorders such as latent autoimmune diabetes of adults or complicated by disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). A 36‐year‐old male with latent autoimmune diabetes of adults and an 18‐year history of chronic alcoholism presented with yellowish skin discoloration, abdominal pain, and distension. Physical examination revealed signs of anemia, jaundice, pedal edema, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, and abdominal tenderness. Over eight admissions, multiple tests revealed severe anemia, thrombocytopenia, elevated bilirubin, and positive autoantibodies. Treatment for suspected autoimmune hepatitis showed no improvement. Subsequent examinations indicated DIC, altered liver function, and cirrhosis progression. A confirmed diagnosis of Zieve's syndrome was made. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was done to check for esophageal varices which were banded. The patient was subsequently managed on supportive treatment with multiple blood transfusions and abstinence from alcohol. Prompt recognition of Zieve's syndrome is crucial to avoid unnecessary interventions. Alcohol cessation is the keystone of treatment, emphasizing the need to raise awareness among practitioners. This case points toward the importance of comprehensive evaluation, serial investigations, and multidisciplinary collaboration for accurate diagnosis and management. Further research is needed to enhance understanding and optimize therapeutic strategies

Efficacy of Biorational Compounds against Mustard Aphid (Lipaphis erysimi Kalt.) and English Grain Aphid (Sitobion avenae Fab.) under Laboratory Conditions in Nepal

Mustard aphid (Lipaphis erysimi) and English grain aphid (Sitobion avenae) are among the most important pests in mustard and wheat fields in Nepal. Biocide Manic (Metarhizium anisopliae a.i. = 1 × 109 spores/ml) at 3 ml/l water, Agri Sakti (Beauveria bassiana a.i. = 1 × 109 spores/ml) at 3.3 ml/l water, Varunastra (Verticillium lecanii spores 2% aqueous suspension, 2 × 108 CFU/ml) at 6 ml/l water, Mahastra (Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki 0.5% wettable powder) at 6 g/l water, Neemraj Super (Azadirachitin 0.3% w/w) at 3.3 ml/l water, Tracer (Spinosad 90% spinosyns) at 0.33 ml/l water, and control treatment (pure water) were used to test their efficacy against L. erysimi and S. avenae, using leaf dip and spray methods under laboratory conditions in Rupandehi, Nepal, in the year 2018. Each treatment was replicated four times, and the experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design. Mortality of aphids was recorded at 24, 48, 72, and 98 hours after treatment application. The result revealed highest mortality of mustard aphids with Agri Sakti at 24 hours after treatment (HAT); however, Neemraj Super was found to be the most effective at 48, 72, and 96 HAT with the leaf spray method. With the leaf dip method, Neemraj Super killed more mustard aphids than other treatments at all observed time points. Among tested biorational products, Agri Sakti was found to be most effective against English grain aphids in both leaf spray and leaf dip methods. In all the bioassays, the mortality caused by biorational compounds over control was highly significant. The present study suggests for further verification of the biorational products in the field and development of novel management strategies against different species of aphids

Fahr's disease presenting as Parkinson's disease along with dysphagia and dysarthria: A case report

Key Clinical Message Fahr's disease, a rare motor and neurocognitive condition, is characterized by idiopathic calcification of basal ganglia. This article presents such case of 61‐year‐old female, exhibiting movement, speech, and swallowing difficulties with multiple calcifications in brain in NCCT. Early and supportive management can lead to improved outcomes and prevent unnecessary interventions