Regenerative callus induction and biochemical analysis of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni

Stevia Leaves are the principal source of stevioside, which is estimated to be 100-300 times sweeter than table sugar. Stevioside has clinical significance as they are reported to maintain glucose levels in human blood. Owing to the difficulties in propagation of stevia through seeds and vegetative methods, callus culture has been an efficient alternative for generation of stevioside. The aim of this study is to develop an efficient and standardized protocol for maximum induction and multiplication of callus from a leaf. Callus culture was established from leaves in MS basal media fortified with various combinations (BAP, NAA, 2,4-D, KN, IBA) and concentrations of phytohormones. The best callusing (100%) was recorded in MS media supplemented with (2,4-D 1.0mg/l + NAA 1.0mg/l). The callus was harvested after 4 weeks and screened for the presence of various bioactive compounds. The qualitative results showed that the extracts of callus contained bioactive compounds like flavonoids, glycosides, phenol, tannins, sterols and saponins thereby making callus one of the sources for extraction of various secondary metabolites

Ondansetron and Granisetron for Prevention of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting following Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Introduction: Laparoscopic surgeries are known to be associated with a higher incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting. Prophylaxis of PONV is usually achieved with a single-dose antiemetic drug administered during the surgical procedure. The aim of this study was to compare the antiemetic efficacy of two different 5-hydroxytryptamine-3 receptor antagonists, ondansetron and granisetron when given prophylactically to patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods: It was a randomized, double blind study, conducted in 90 patients. Patients were divided into two groups: Group A and Group B with 45 patients in each group. Patients in groupA were given 100microgram/kg ondansetron intravenously (IV),and patients in Group B were given 40 microgram/kg granisetron. Both the drugs were diluted in 10 ml of 0.9% NaCl and were given at the end of surgery. The standard general anesthetic technique was administered to all the patients. Episodes of nausea, retching and vomiting were assessed during the first 24 hours after anesthesia. Results: There was no statistically significant difference for demographic data and duration of surgery among the two groups (P > 0.05). Evaluated nausea and vomiting scores in the first 3hours period revealed that each of the drugs had a similar antiemetic effect (P > 0.05). Between 4–12 hours also the episodes of nausea, retching as well as vomiting were statistically insignificant in both the groups. In the last 12 hours, episodes of nausea, retching and vomiting were significantly higher in ondansetron group. Conclusions: Granisetron, when given prophylactically, resulted in a significantly lower incidence of PONV than ondansetron in the first 24 hours. Keywords: Granisetron; Laparoscopic cholecystectomy; Ondansetron; postoperative nausea vomiting.

Policy Provisions and Implementation of Seed Technology Research, and Innovation in Nepal

Favorable policy provisions and their effective implementation are critical in promoting agricultural research innovation and technology development for ensuring food security and livelihood improvement of the farmers. This paper aims to (i) review current policy provisions made for research and innovations in the seed sector; (ii) assess its implementation status as envisaged in the policies and (iii) identify issues and gaps to make recommendations for potential policy solutions. The study employed a three-step process which included listing and review of the policies, followed by an assessment of their implementation status by developing a policy framework. The study showed that most policy documents have emphasized increasing production and productivity in agriculture, but have undermined the importance of research and technology to enhance agricultural productivity. In addition, current challenges such as nutritional security, natural resource management, and climate change have not been given adequate space in policy design. Very few policy documents have focused to develop climate-resilient varieties, breeds and technologies. Policy provisions for investment in agriculture research and innovation are inadequate and fragmented, despite their significant role in achieving a high rate of return in agriculture development. Analysis showed that investment, human resource development and institutional frameworks are weak, but the policy framework sounds relatively good. Therefore, it is urgent to manage human resources and investment as well as develop new provincial and local government agricultural policies and institutional frameworks aligned with federal policy considering the issues and challenges being faced in the present and what may happen in future. Increased investment and capacity development in plant breeding, modern technology, and seed system; facilitating public-private partnership and private sector to attract research investment; participatory and decentralized variety selection, release and recommendation; coordination mechanism for policy formulations and implementation; and provide incentives for research, release and promotion of domestically developed varieties are recommended to strengthen the variety and seed system innovations in Nepal