Performance evaluation of potato clones for the central Terai Region of Nepal

A series of experiments were carried out to evaluate the performance of exotic potato clones including PRP lines at research field of Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Parwanipur, Bara, Nepal during the winter seasons of 2017 and 2018. Thirty-nine potato clones were evaluated in initial evaluation trial and eleven clones were evaluated in coordinated varietal trial with check varieties Khumal Ujjwal and Kufri Jyoti. From the initial varietal trial in 2017, the highest tuber yield (21.54 mt/ha) was found in CIP389660.9 followed by CIP391046.14 (21.38 mt/ha). In 2018, the highest tuber yield (29.72 mt/ha) was produced in CIP392759.1 followed by CIP393085.5 (26.92 mt/ha) and CIP391046.14 (26.64 mt/ha). In 2018, the tuber yield was the highest (26.12 mt/ha) in PRP 266265.15 followed by CIP 393371.159 (24.79 mt/ha). In coordinated varietal trial carried out in 2017/18, the highest tuber yield was noted in CIP394600.52 (42.65 mt/ha) followed by CIP395443.103 (30.83 mt/ha) and CIP395445.16 (24.43 mt/ha) respectively. Whereas in 2018/19, the highest yield was produced by PRP266265.15 (26.12 mt/ha) followed by CIP393371.159 (24.79 mt/ha) and CIP 396012.266 (22.66 mt/ha) respectively. In RARS, Parwanipur conditions, CIP 394600.52, CIP 395443.103, CIP 395445.16 and CIP 304394.56 along with PRP 266265.15 were found to be superior to standard check variety. These potential genotypes need to be further verified in farmers field in additional districts of central Terai region before notifying in the national seed system. Adoption of these clones as variety may increase the potato production and improve the food, and nutritional security in the central Terai region of Nepal

Growth and yield performance of different open pollinated tomato genotypes in Terai region of Nepal

Tomato is one of the major vegetable crops inNepal. The productivity of tomato in Nepal is very low due to lack of high yielding, disease and pests resistant varieties.The objective of the experiement was to evaluate the  performance of open pollinated tomato genotypes. Ten open pollinated tomato genotypes were evaluated at on-station research field of Regional Agricultural Research Station, Parwanipur, Bara in the winter seasons of 2015 and 2017, and seven tomato genotypes were evaluated at farmers’ fields of Bara and Parsa districts, Nepal in the winter seasons of 2017 and 2018.The experiments were carried out in randomized complete block design with three replications. Results of the on-station experiments showed that HRDTOM084 produced the highest yield (29.1 t/ha in 2015 and 28.5 t/ha in 2017)  and showed consistant performance over the two seasons. It was the superior genotype in terms of yield and yield attributing traits. Tomato genotypes HRDTOM011, HRD109, HRDTOM080 and HRDTOM086 were found vigorous with a score value 5  in 1 to 5 rating scale. The results of the farmers’ field experiment showed that the tomato genotypes HRDTOM084 and HRDTOM085 were found more productive and high yielding compared to other genotypes. The highest yield was produced in HRDTOM084 with a mean of two season yield 49.85 t/ha followed by HRDTOM085 with a mean of two season yield 47.42 t/ha).These genotypes showed moderate resistance to late blight and septoria leaf spot with a score value of 2.3 in 1-5 rating scale. Therefore, HRDTOM084 and HRDTOM085 were the most productive and gave higher yield compared to others.  Hence, these two tomato genotypes can be used by tomato growers under field conditions in Terai region of Nepal

A case report of primary intraabdominal rhabdomyosarcoma presenting as metastasis

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a rare and in adult accounts for only 1-3% of all malignant soft tissue tumors. The most frequent sites of origin is within head and neck area. One of the least common sites is the retrorectal-presacral space. This case of 61 years old female is probably the fifth well-documented case of primary abdominopelvic RMS. She presented with abdominal distensions, obstipation, vomiting for 5 days. Excision of the gut wall along with soft tissue mass was done and sent to our department for histopathological examination. On microscopic examination, a diagnosis of malignant mesenchymal tumor with closest resemblance to RMS was made. It is a rare case and needs to bring in notice as there is very few information regarding intraabdominal RMS. This case initially thought to be metastasis from gynecologic malignancy.  It is important for pathologists, gynecologists and radiologists to recognize RMS as differential diagnosis of masses arising in abdomen and pelvis

Modified atmosphere packaging of capsicum for extending shelf life under coolbot condition

Capsicum is one of the high value vegetable crops in Nepal. Its demand in kitchen is increasing due to urbanization and increased awareness on its health benefit. Its commercial cultivation has been started in protected as well as open field conditions. It fetches higher price in market but has very short storage life under ordinary storage condition. An experiment was carried out to evaluate the modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on extension of shelf-life of capsicum fruit. Fruit were harvested at full mature stage with smooth and shiny appearance from farmer's field grown under protected condition at Chitwan, Nepal. The fruits were brought to postharvest laboratory of National Horticulture Research Centre, pre-cooled for 3-4 hours, cleaned with muslin cloth and packed in 25 micron Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) packaging with different number of pinhole sized perforations viz. without pinholes, eight pinholes, sixteen pinholes, twenty four pinholes and control (without MAP). The study was conducted in completely randomized block design with five treatments and four replications. Fruits were kept at coolbot storage (9.8+2 ºC, 86+5% RH) till 30 days and analyzed for various postharvest physical, chemical and physiological parameters at every 10, 20 and 30 days of storage. The result showed that LDPE packaging influenced on reduction of physiological loss in weight (PLW), spoilage loss, ascorbic acid content, TA, freshness, firmness and shelf life. The modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) without pinholes showed the minimum PWL (1.71%) and the optimum fruit freshness (4.76) but the spoilage loss was the maximum (14%). Among the packaging, MAP with 8 pinholes maintained majority of postharvest quality retention with reduced physiological loss in weight (4.15 %), freshness (4.5) and spoilage loss (2%)

STERILE PARENTERAL PRODUCTS: A NARRATIVE APPROACH

One of the first group’s toaddress these patient safety issues was the NationalCoordinating Committee on Large Volume Parenteral (NCCLVP). Parenteral medications are products which are introduced in a manner which circumvents the body’s most protective barriers, the skin and mucous membranes, and, therefore, must be “essentially†free of biological contamination.  Most are injected or placed into the body tissues and do not pass thru the liver before entering the bloodstream. This can include injections, topical and inhalation routes. Generally in pharmacy, parenteral refers to injection and the topical and inhalation routes are separated into their own routes of administration. NCCLVP was established by the US Pharmacopeia Convention, Inc., and subsequently developedand recommended standards of practice for the preparation, labeling, and quality assurance of hospital pharmacyadmixture services. Parenteral administration of drug is often critical and associated with problems such as limited number of acceptable excipients, stringent requirements of aseptic production process, safety issues, and patient noncompliance. Still this route maintains its value due to special advantages like quicker onset of action in case of emergency; target the drug quickly to desired site of action, prevention of first pass metabolism etc. This review highlightsformulation of parenteral product and advanced techniques involved in parenteral products.   Keywords: NCCLVP, LVP, Aseptic area, GMP etc

Selection of study sites and participants for research into Nepal’s federal health system

Introduction: This article offers insights into the process of selecting representative study sites and participants in a longitudinal study in Nepal. As part of the research design process, the selection of representative areas in a large-scale study requires both intellectual and practical considerations. Methods: We briefly introduce our study into the impact of federalization on Nepal’s health system before outlining the criteria considered for the identification of fieldwork sites and the most appropriate study participants for the qualitative interviews and participatory components of this research. Findings: The selected areas are presented with an overview of the areas selected and their justification. The study sites and participants should consider a broader coverage with diverse participants’ backgrounds. Several factors can influence the identification and recruitment of the right participants, including the use of appropriate gatekeepers, gaining access to recruit participants, logistical challenges, and participant follow-up. Conclusion: We conclude that longitudinal qualitative research requires a carefully selected diverse set of study sites and participants to assess the complexities and dynamics of the health system and service provision to ensure that longitudinal research is representative and effective in addressing the research question(s) being investigated

A overview: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and mechanisms

The inflammatory response represents a generalized response to infection or tissue damage and is designed to remove cellular debris, to localize invading organisms and arrest the spread of infection. NSAIDS are metabolized primarily in the liver. They vary in their half-lives and bioavailability. Given the multitude of available NSAIDs, the variability of their half-lives allows for different dosing regimens. The fluid in the inflamed area is known as inflammatory exudates, commonly called as pus. These exudates contain dead cells and debris in addition to body fluids. The inflammatory response is characterized by the following symptoms: Reddening of the localized area, swelling, pain and elevated temperature. Reddening results from capillary dialation that allows more blood to flow to the damaged tissue. Elevated temperature results from capillary dialation which permits increased blood flow through these vessels, with associated high metabolic activities of neutrophils and macrophages. The release of histamine from mast cells during antigen antibody reactions is well known, as is its involvement in the inflammatory response to skin injury. The present review focused on list and precautions of NSAID with its typed and classification, Analgesic activity study, histamine

Mobilization of Stem Cells Using G-CSF for Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Randomized Controlled, Pilot Study

Background. There is emerging evidence to support the use of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) therapy in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Aims. To explore feasibility, safety, and preliminary efficacy of G-CSF therapy in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Patients and Method. In randomized study, 10 patients with acute ischemic stroke were recruited in 1 : 1 ratio to receive 10 μg/kg G-CSF treatment subcutaneously daily for five days with conventional care or conventional treatment alone. Efficacy outcome measures were assessed at baseline, one month, and after six months of treatment included Barthel Index (BI), National Institute of Health Stroke Scale, and modified Rankin Scale. Results. One patient in G-CSF therapy arm died due to raised intracranial pressure. No severe adverse effects were seen in rest of patients receiving G-CSF therapy arm or control arm. No statistically significant difference between intervention and control was observed in any of the scores though a trend of higher improvement of BI score is seen in the intervention group. Conclusion. Although this study did not have power to examine efficacy, it provides preliminary evidence of potential safety, feasibility, and tolerability of G-CSF therapy. Further studies need to be done on a large sample to confirm the results

The Relationship between Zinc Intake and Serum/Plasma Zinc Concentration in Children: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis

Recommendations for zinc intake during childhood vary widely across Europe. The EURRECA project attempts to consolidate the basis for the definition of micronutrient requirements, taking into account relationships among intake, status and health outcomes, in order to harmonise these recommendations. Data on zinc intake and biomarkers of zinc status reported in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) can provide estimates of dose-response relationships which may be used for underpinning zinc reference values. This systematic review included all RCTs of apparently healthy children aged 1–17 years published by February 2010 which provided data on zinc intake and biomarkers of zinc status. An intake-status regression coefficient was calculated for each individual study and calculated the overall pooled and SE using random effects meta-analysis on a double log scale. The pooled dose-response relationship between zinc intake and zinc status indicated that a doubling of the zinc intake increased the serum/plasma zinc status by 9%. This evidence can be utilised, together with currently used balance studies and repletion/depletion studies, when setting zinc recommendations as a basis for nutrition policies