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Introduction: Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease transmitted from person to person by Aedes mosquitoes which result in a wide spectrum of disease severity ranging from influenza-like illness (dengue fever; DF) to the life-threatening dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF)/dengue shock syndrome (DSS). Terai regions of Nepal were focal epidemics of Dengue infections during the outbreak in 2010, 2013, and 2016. Dengue infections have been reported in the valleys of upland Hill regions at an altitude of 2500 m above sea level in Nepal. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among febrile patients in Nepal Police Hospital (NPH), from 1st Baisakh 2076 to 30th Chaitra 2076. Blood samples were collected from dengue presumed cases and tested against dengue specific IgM antibody and/or NS1antigen. Clinical examination findings were recorded, hematological and biochemical parameters tests were done among the patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Results: A total of 87 dengue cases were included in the study during the study period. Out of these, the majority were males ( 85.05%) from Kathmandu (38/87; 43.67%) seen in the month of Asoj (40/87; 45.98%). Fever was the major symptom (100%) followed by myalgia (52.87%), headache (45.97%), retro-orbital pain (12.64%), bleeding manifestations (9.19%). Common hematological abnormalities were thrombocytopenia and leucopenia in the critical phase. There was no case of dengue shock syndrome. Conclusion: This study highlights the utilization of most common clinical and easily available laboratory profiles of dengue viral infections in particular season and place that could alert physicians to diagnose early to reduce morbidity and mortality due to dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome.

Isolation is the separation and restriction of movement of people diagnosed with COVID-19 positive. Isolation is one of the best measures for preventing and controlling pandemics; however, it might be stressful. This study intends to explore the perceptions of COVID-19 infected people towards the COVID-19 pandemic and their experiences at Nepal's isolation centers with the broad theoretical frame of the transactional theory of stress and coping by Lazarus & Folkman (1986). This qualitative study was conducted in institutional isolation centers in Nepal's Morang, Rautahat, Sindhupalchowk, Tanahun, Banke, Surkhet, and Kailali districts. Thirty-five participants, five from every seven provinces, were selected using a purposive-convenient sampling method. Data were collected through interviews in the period of October to December 2020. The findings of the study have been presented in four different themes: personal and environmental attributes, perception of COVID-19 as a stressor, short-term outcome based on situation, and adoption of coping mechanism. There were individual differences in perceiving the COVID-19 as a stressor. Environment and available facilities acted as another source of stress. Similarly, anxiety, irritation, lack of sleep, loss of appetite resulted from stress while staying in isolation. Regarding the coping mechanism of the stress, most participants were found to use mobile phones, play games, watch movies, and talk to family members. We recommend emphasizing psychological intervention comprising meditation, outdoor games, yoga, and counseling in institutional isolation based on this study.

Background: Antimicrobial resistance is a global threat in the medical society. Extended- Spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producing bacteria are increasing worldwide, including Nepal and causing more severe infections because of their continuous mutation and multidrug resistance (MDR) nature. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess Gram-negative bacterial etiology of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) and determine their antibiotic susceptibility pattern with a special focus on MDR, including ESBL production. Methods: A total of 109 sputum specimens were analyzed. The bacterial isolates were identified by standard microbiological procedures, including Analytical Profile Index (API) 20E test panels for Enterobacteriaceae and subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Screening of ESBL producers among Gram-negative isolates was done by using third-generation cephalosporins (ceftazidime and cefotaxime) and confirmed by the combined disk method as recommended by CLSI (2019). Results: Out of 109 sputum specimens, Gram-negative bacterial etiology was determined in 31(28.4%) cases. The age-wise distribution of LRTIs patients was found to be statistically significant with bacterial incidence (p Conclusion: The present study revealed that multidrug resistance is prevalent among Gram-negative bacterial pathogens isolated from the patients with lower respiratory tract infections, requiring routine laboratory testing for MDR and ESBL production in clinical isolates for better prophylaxis and reducing the risk of ESBL transmission.

Tomato is highly perishable in nature and incurred high post-harvest losses due to unsuitable packaging method. Experimentation was undertaken to find the effect of different polymeric film packaging on postharvest quality of tomato var. Manisha in a completely randomized block design (CRD). There was five treatment viz. open, ordinary plastic, Polypropylene (PP38,) Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE38) and 25) which was replicated four times. Destructive and non-destructive samples were prepared for each treatment, non-destructive samples were sealed completely and used for weight loss observation and destructive samples were tied with a rubber band and used for observation of Titratable Acidity (TA), Total Soluble Solid (TSS), pH and firmness every four days after packaging. Among the different packaging treatments, no packaging (open) showed the highest percentage of weight loss (13.25%), lowest firmness (3.35 kg), and highest TSS (4.33) at the final day of storage as compared to another plastic packaging. The plastic packaging creates a modified atmosphere for the packed tomatoes which slows down the physiological processes and delay ripening, causes minimum weight loss, delays a change in color, and lower TSS content of the tomato fruit. So, packing tomatoes in any type of plastic packs is suitable for increasing shelf life.

Introduction: Cirrhosis of the liver is a major health problem in our country. Patients with cirrhosis are at risk of developing esophageal varices and variceal bleeding with high mortality. They must undergo routine upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to screen for the presence of varices. This poses an economic, social, and medical burden. Thus, this warrants a non-invasive predictor of esophageal varices in a cirrhotic patient. The aim of this study was to find the correlation between SAAG and esophageal varices in portal hypertension due to cirrhosis of liver. Methods: Patients (45 males and 35 females) above 18 years of age and with cirrhosis of the liver underwent cross sectional observational study at Nepal Medical College Teaching hospital between October 2015 and December 2017 AD. Serum albumin and ascitic fluid albumin were analyzed on the same day and serum-ascites albumin gradient (SAAG) was calculated. Upper GI endoscopy was done to evaluate for the presence of esophageal and gastric varices. Pearson's chi-square test was applied to see the relation between SAAG and esophageal varices. Results: Among the 80 patients studied, 56.2% were male and 93.75% had varices. Majority of the patients who had esophageal varices had SAAG of more than 1.1 g/dL. A positive correlation was found between serum-ascites-albumin gradient and esophageal varices but was statistically not significant. A cut-off of >1.6 for SAAG to discriminate between presence and absence of varices yielded a sensitivity of 78.66% and a positive predictive value of 92.18%. Conclusion: This study highlighted that SAAG has a positive correlation with esophageal varices with high sensitivity and positive predictive value in estimating the presence of varices but without statistical significance. It has a low specificity. Due to statistically insignificant correlation and low specificity, SAAG cannot be used in place of upper GI endoscopy in diagnosing gastroesophageal varices

SETTING: Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal.OBJECTIVES: 1) To report the number and proportion of Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, Burkholderia, Stenotrophomonas (PABS) species among intensive care unit (ICU) patients with sputum culture; and 2) to assess antimicrobial resistance patterns, demographic and clinical characteristics associated with resistance to at least one antibiotic and ICU discharge outcomes among those patients with PABS species admitted to hospital between 14 April 2018 and 13 April 2019.DESIGN: This was a hospital-based, cross-sectional study using secondary data.RESULTS: Of 166 who underwent sputum culture, 104 (63%) had bacterial growth, of which, 67 (64%) showed PABS species. Of the positive cultures, Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, Burkholderia and Stenotrophomonas were present in respectively 32 (30.7%), 31 (29.8%), 1 (1%) and 3 (2.8%). Pseudomonas showed a high level of resistance to levofloxacin (61%), cefepime (50%) and amikacin (50%). Acinetobacter was largely resistant to cefepime (95%), imipenem (92%) and levofloxacin (86%). Of the 67 with PABS infection, 32 (48%) died.CONCLUSION: The study showed a high prevalence of Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter and the emergence of Stenotrophomonas in sputum culture samples of ICU patients. This highlights the need for monitoring PABS and associated resistance patterns to reduce mortality in ICU patients.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of a stay-green trait to stabilize the yield responses under combined heat and drought stress on wheat. Ten Recombinant Inbred Lines (RILs) of wheat along with their parents (HI1500/DBW 43) were evaluated under timely sown with irrigation (control) and without irrigation (drought stress), and late sown with irrigation (heat stress) and without irrigation (combined heat and drought stress). We observed that combined stress of drought and heat stress was more detrimental than the individual stresses for plants. GCP 6 and GCP 33 RILs showed 50.08% and 49.52% while GCP 23 and GCP 30 showed 61.05% and 62.17% decrease in yield under combined stress as compared to the control condition. We found that GCP 6 and GCP 33 RILs stabilized their yield by maintaining stay-green traits such as retaining a higher amount of chlorophyll, photosynthesis rate and leaf area duration at the anthesis stage under combined stress as compared to other RILs. Further, Real-Time gene expression data inferred that GCP 6 and GCP 33 RILs maintained stay-green traits by up-regulating TaCHLD as well as down-regulating TaPaO, TaPPH and TaSGR1 genes at anthesis stage under combined stress, that are known chlorophyll biosynthesis (TaCHLD) and degradation genes respectively. It was also revealed that GCP 6 and GCP 33 RILs maintained higher photosynthesis rate during the anthesis stage under combined stress due to increased carbon fixation resulting from higher TaRbcs, PsbP and TaPsbA genes expression. This study showed that stay-green traits help in stabilizing the yield attributes under combined heat and drought stress in wheat.

A varietal study on five open pollinated cultivars of Radish viz Mino Early, Okura, Pusa Chetki, Forty Days and Miyasige with an objective to find the most superior variety was conducted at Horticultural Research Division, Khumaltar, Lalitpur in winter season for 3 years from 2016 in consecutive years. Mino Early and Forty Days are widely adopted varieties and kept as local check varieties. The trial was conducted under Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications. Out of the five cultivars, Okura gave significantly the highest of Root wt. (326 g), Root yield (53.85 t/ha), Root length (25.5 cm), Root diameter (53.9 mm), and Leaf wt per plant. (268 g), Days to harvest (63 days) followed by Miyasige which had Root wt (259 g), Root length (23.4 cm) Root diameter (51.9 mm), Days to harvest (66 days). Okura had 49 percent yield increment followed by Miyasige with 21.9 percent as compared to Mino Early. Hence, these two cultivars are found superior and recommended for cultivation in central mid-hills like Kathmandu valley conditions in Nepal.

This study was carried out to select the suitable and high leaf yielding broadleaf mustard genotypes for the mid-hill conditions of Nepal. We evaluated seven germplasms of broadleaf mustard (Brassica juncea var. rugosa (L.) Czern.) namely, ‘HRDBLM001’, ‘HRDBLM004’, ‘HRDBLM007’, ‘HRDBLM009’, ‘HRDBLM010’, ‘Marpha Chauda Pat’, and ‘Khumal Chauda Pat’ in the field of the National Horticulture Research Centre, Khumaltar under Nepal Agricultural Research Council during the winter season of two consecutive years, 2019 and 2020. The germplasms were collected from the local diversity centres in the country. The experiment was laid out in the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) in three replications per treatment. Seeding was done in September, and 28-day-old seedlings were transplanted in the field. The results obtained from the two consecutive seasons revealed that plant vigour was found to be greater in ‘HRDBLM010’ and ‘Khumal Chauda Pat’ (4.7 in the 1 to 5 scale score). The highest leaf weight (65.1 g) was found in ‘HRDBLM010’, followed by ‘HRDBLM007’ (45.6 g) and ‘Khumal Chauda Pat’ (40.9 g). The highest number of leaves was produced by ‘HRDBLM004’ (50 leaves per plant), while leaf weight per plant was the highest in ‘HRDBLM010’ (691.1 g per plant) followed by ‘HRDBLM004’ (535.4 g per plant). Genotype ‘HRDBLM010' produced the highest leaf yield (54.52 MT ha-1), followed by 'HRDBLM004' (44.28 MT ha-1) and ‘HRDBLM007’ (41.65 MT ha-1). Thus, these three germplasms showed superiority among the seven tested germplasms and they could be recommended for cultivation in the mid-hill conditions of Nepal.

The productivity of tomato in Nepal is very low due to lack of high yielding, disease and pests resistant varieties. An experiment was carried out to evaluate horticultural traits of 50 genotypes obtained from World Vegetable Centre (WorldVeg), Taiwan and SAARC region, and local collections during March to August 2020 in open field conditions at National Horticulture Research Centre, Khumaltar, Lalitpur. The objectives were to identify promising open-pollinated tomato cultivars for high yield, appropriate fruit size, and disease resistant. The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Results showed significant differences in yield and yield attributing characters including virus infection. The highest yield (39.6 mt ha-1) was produced by HRA43 and it was followed by HRA33 (26.4 mt ha-1). Among the WorldVeg OP lines, AVTO1429 produced the highest yield (16.21 mt ha-1) and it was followed by AVTO1717 (12.95 mt ha-1), AVTO0922 (11.83 mt ha-1) and AVTO1219 (11.7 mt ha-1) respectively. Most of the WorldVeg lines performed better than the check variety ‘Pusa Ruby’. Genotype HRA43, Red Local and Sindhupalchock Local were not affected by virus while Yellow Local showed 3.3% infection. Among the WorldVeg lines, AVTO1712 (20%), AVTO1717 (20%) and AVTO1718 (13%) and AVTO1219 (15%) showed less than 20% virus infection in the open field conditions. Cluster analysis using the unweighted paired group method with arithmetic mean showed that cluster-1 was the largest cluster comprised of 40 genotypes followed by cluster-2 and cluster-4. Genotypes from cluster-4 showed the higher fruit yield (25.1 mt ha-1) and resistant to the virus and the highest number of fruits per plot (1978 in 4.5 m2 area). The yield was low in cluster-1 which could be due to the heavy rainfall during the vegetative and reproductive stages. Genotypes Red Local and Sindhupalchock Local could be used in future tomato breeding program due to their resistant to TYLCV, higher potential yield and highest plant vigour in open field conditions at the mid-hill of Nepal. Considering the overall performance, genotype HRA43, HRA33 and AVTO1429 were promising lines with performance for yield and other horticultural traits.

Background Intestinal parasites have a significant impact on productivity of pigs. Additionally, presence of zoonotic parasites in pig faeces used as fertilizer and ingestion of raw or undercooked pork products originated from parasite‐infested pigs pose a risk to human health. Objectives The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence and diversity of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites in indigenous pigs (Sus domesticus) maintained under traditional rearing system in Nepal. Methods Fresh faecal samples (n = 100) were collected from the pigs of varying age and sex maintained in 18 small‐scale farms in south‐central Nepal. Samples were processed using various standard methods and examined for parasite eggs, cysts or oocysts. Results Prevalence of GI parasites in indigenous pigs was 91%, comprising of 14 different genera of protozoans and helminths. Male pigs generally had a higher (97.5%) prevalence of GI parasites than females (87%). While 90% of the suckling and weaner piglets were positive for the GI parasites, all growers and 85% the adult pigs were infected with the parasites. Entamoeba spp. were the primary protozoans in all age groups. Strongyloides sp. was more prevalent helminths in suckling and weaner piglets, whereas Ascarid spp. were higher in both growers and adults. Triplet infection was higher (33.3%) in suckling and weaner piglets, while quadruplet and pentuplet infections were higher (p, The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence and diversity of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites in indigenous pigs (Sus domesticus) maintained under traditional rearing system in Nepal. Faecal samples contained 14 different protozoa and helminths with the prevalence rates of 91%. The indigenous pigs harbour a higher prevalence and greater diversity of GI parasites.

Klebsiella spp. are associated with several nosocomial and opportunistic infections. Increasing antimicrobial resistance of Klebsiella species is aggravated by a number of intrinsic and extrinsic factors. The main aim of this study is to determine antimicrobial resistance due to production of β-lactamase enzymes, extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL), metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL) and AmpC and Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC) and biofilm formation in Klebsiella isolates. A total of 2197 non-duplicate specimens of urine, sputum and pus were obtained from the National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL), Kathmandu, Nepal, between February and August 2019. Klebsiella species were isolated, identified and screened for antimicrobial susceptibility testing with the disk diffusion method. Phenotypic detection of ESBL, MBL, KPC and AmpC production was observed and biofilm production was detected by the microtiter plate method. Out of a total of 2197 clinical specimens, bacterial growth was detected in 8% (175/2197) of the specimens. Of the total isolates, 86.3% (151/175) were Gram-negative bacteria and 37.7% (57/151) were Klebsiella spp. Of the total Klebsiella spp., 56% (32/57) were multi drug resistant (MDR), 16% (9/57) were ESBL, 26% (15/57) were MBL, 4% (2/57) were KPC (class A carbapenemase), 16% (9/57) were AmpC producers and 95% (54/57) were biofilm producers. Gentamicin was the most effective antibiotic, followed by cotrimoxazole, as 68% (39/57) and 47% (27/57) of the Klebsiella isolates were susceptible towards these drugs, respectively. The study results show evidence of β-lactamase production, high prevalence of MDR and biofilm producing Klebsiella species. Integrating the test parameters for phenotypic confirmation of ESBL, MBL, AmpC β lactamase and KPC in routine diagnostic procedures can help in the early detection and management of these resistant strains.

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a common cause of Gram-negative pneumonia. The spread of antibiotic-resistant and hypervirulent strains has made treatment more challenging. This study sought to determine the immunomodulatory, antibacterial, and therapeutic potential of purified murine stem cell Ag-1+ (Sca-1+) lung mesenchymal stem cells (LMSCs) using in vitro cell culture and an in vivo mouse model of pneumonia caused by K. pneumoniae. Sca-1+ LMSCs are plastic adherent, possess colony-forming capacity, express mesenchymal stem cell markers, differentiate into osteogenic and adipogenic lineages in vitro, and exhibit a high proliferative capacity. Further, these Sca-1+ LMSCs are morphologically similar to fibroblasts but differ ultrastructurally. Moreover, Sca-1+ LMSCs have the capacity to inhibit LPS-induced secretion of inflammatory cytokines by bone marrow–derived macrophages and neutrophils in vitro. Sca-1+ LMSCs inhibit the growth of K. pneumoniae more potently than do neutrophils. Sca-1+ LMSCs also possess the intrinsic ability to phagocytize and kill K. pneumoniae intracellularly. Whereas the induction of autophagy promotes bacterial replication, inhibition of autophagy enhances the intracellular clearance of K. pneumoniae in Sca-1+ LMSCs during the early time of infection. Adoptive transfer of Sca-1+ LMSCs in K. pneumoniae–infected mice improved survival, reduced inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, reduced inflammatory cytokine levels and pathological lesions in the lung, and enhanced bacterial clearance in the lung and in extrapulmonary organs. To our knowledge, these results together illustrate for the first time the protective role of LMSCs in bacterial pneumonia.

Facilitation is a global phenomenon that occurs when one species promotes the growth, survival, or reproduction of another species, mostly in stressful environments. However, the importance of facilitation by shrubs in maintaining plant community diversity is not well evaluated in the Himalayas, especially for the richness and conservation of medicinal and human-valued species. Therefore, we aimed to explore the facilitative role of a dwarf shrub species, Berberis angulosa, in maintaining plant composition and richness of human-valued species in the Langtang valley of Nepal's Himalayas. We censused plant species in open patches and beneath Berberis during monsoon and post-monsoon (dry) seasons at three elevations. Total species richness and richness of human-valued species were significantly higher inside the Berberis canopy than in gaps; the former being 39% and the latter 46% greater under shrubs than in open sites. Facilitation by Berberis shrubs promoted plant community diversity irrespective of season and elevation; however, higher differences in mean species richness for both total plant species and human-valued species during the dry season and at high elevation indicated increased facilitation intensity under more stressful conditions. The facilitative effect of Berberis shrubs increased, combining both seasons, overall plant diversity by 19% (total=105), and human-valued species by 16% (total=56). Our results show the importance of facilitation by nurse shrubs in structuring plant communities and protecting medicinal and socio-ecologically important plants, thus enriching ecosystem services in the Himalayas. These results suggest nurse plant species should be incorporated into conservation policies and management strategies for effective biodiversity conservation and sustainability, especially in the face of climate change.

Taro (Colocasia esculenta L. Schott) is an important crop for food and nutrition security, incomes, and livelihood of people in developing countries. Its cultivation and productivity have been limited mainly due to a lack of quality planting materials. Therefore, this study developed an effective micropropagation method for two common taro varieties in Kenya (Purple Wild and Dasheen) using apical meristem derived from portions of the corm and base of leaf petioles. This study optimized the 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) levels for a better shoot and root development. The highest shoot induction was observed in both varieties when Murashige & Skoog (MS) media was supplemented with 2 mg/L of BAP. Similarly, the maximum rooting response was achieved in both varieties on half-strength MS media supplemented with 0.5 mg/L of IBA. The study also revealed significant interactions between variety × BAP levels and variety × IBA levels (P

A field experiment was carried out at Rajapur, Bardiya Nepal to determine the effect of different biofertilizers on the yield of spring rice (Oryza sativa L.). Five different combinations of biofertilizers and chemical fertilizer viz. T1 (Azolla + N:P:K @50:15:15 kg ha-1), T2 (Azotobacter+ N:P:K @50:15:15 kg ha-1), T3 (Azotobacter +Mycorrhiza + N:P:K @50:15:15 kg ha-1), T4 (Azotobacter + Phosphorus Solubilizing Bacteria+ Potassium Mobilizing Bacteria+ N:P:K @50:15:15 kg ha-1) and T5 (Recommended chemical fertilizer i.e. N:P:K @100:30:30 kg ha-1) was used. The experiment was laid out in a simple RCBD design with four replications and 3mˣ2m individual plot size. The hardinath-1 variety was used for the experiment. Biometrical observations like plant height (99.92 cm), number of tillers (355.62 m-2) were found significantly highest in T1 (Azolla + NPK@50:15:15 kg ha-1). Similarly, yield attributing characters such as the number of effective tillers (340 m-2), number of filled grains per panicle (114.30), highest panicle length (28.42 cm) was found significantly the highest in T1 (Azolla + NPK@50:15:15 kg ha-1). The highest grain yield (8.46 ton ha-1), straw yield (12.6 ton ha-1), and harvest index (0.40) were also observed on T1 (Azolla + NPK@50:15:15 kg ha-1). Benefit cost ratio was also found highest on T1 (Azolla + NPK@50:15:15 kg ha-1) which was 2.05 incurring the cost of cultivation Rs 72035 per hectare returning the total revenue of Rs 148190 per hectare. The study shows that the application of T1 (Azolla + NPK@50:15:15 kg ha-1) was the best fertilizer combination for spring rice production as it was superior over other fertilizer combinations in terms of yield and yield attributing characters with the highest benefit cost ratio. SAARC J. Agric., 19(1): 57-69 (2021)

The khapra beetle, Trogoderma granarium, is an important quarantine pest of stored-products. While it is not established in the North America, frequent interceptions highlight the need for treatments to eradicate isolated populations if they occur. Methyl bromide has long been the standard fumigant used for this purpose; however, increasing restrictions on its use necessitate the development of new treatment options. Here we evaluate a treatment for khapra beetle using a combination of sulfuryl fluoride (SF) and propylene oxide (PPO). Experiments were conducted to determine the most tolerant stages and the effective rates for each compound. Combination treatments using both products were then evaluated at several temperatures to determine effective doses for quarantine level control. The egg stage was by far the most tolerant to SF, requiring concentration × time (CT) products roughly 10-fold greater than the next most tolerant stage, diapausing larvae. Diapausing larvae were significantly more tolerant to SF than non-diapausing larvae in a recently collected ‘field’ strain, but not in a more than 30-yr-old ‘laboratory’ culture. PPO treatments were shown to completely control the egg stage at CTs greater than 155 hr-mgL-1 at both 10 and 20°C. Resulting combination treatments with initial dose rates of 96 and 40 mgL-1 at 10°C and 80 and 40 mgL-1 at 20°C are proposed for SF and PPO, respectively. These combination treatments utilize SF’s efficacy against the larval stage along with PPO’s superior ovicidal properties to provide enhanced treatment efficacy over each product alone against all life stages of khapra beetle.

Diseases have emerged as one of the major challenges of Brachiaria production in Africa. Nine Brachiaria cultivars were evaluated for leaf rust, leaf spot and leaf blight diseases and agronomic per...

Realizing an increasing need for a novel antibiotic, this study was carried out to screen antibacterial metabolites producing actinomycetes from 15 soil samples collected from Taplejung. Antibacterial metabolites producing actinomycetes were confirmed by primary screening and secondary screening. Macroscopic, microscopic, and biochemical characteristics were used for presumptive identification of probable actinomycetes genera. The potential isolate was cultured in starch casein broth for production of possible antibacterial compound. The antibacterial compound was extracted from fermented broth using organic solvents like ethyl acetate, n-butanol, chloroform, dichloromethane, and methanol. Among 24 isolates, only one (T18) showed antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Salmonella Typhi and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) test-bacteria. The isolate was considered as Streptomyces spp based on microscopy and various biochemical, and physiological characteristics. Extracted antibacterial metabolite showed antibacterial activity with a MIC value of 1.2 mg/mL against E. coli (ATCC 25922). The chromatogram in Thin Layer Chromatography showed only one spot exhibited by extract with Rf value 0.87 suggested that the isolate produced a compound that was completely different from the spot with Rf value 0.94 produced by gentamicin (standard). This study revealed the distribution of the potent antibacterial metabolite producing actinomycetes in the soils of Taplejung.

This study was carried out at Goat Research Station, Bandipur, Tanahun, Nepal to evaluate the different factors affecting the growth performance of pure Boer goat since its arrival on 2015. A total of 225 kids of Boer goat born from 218 kidding does recorded between 2015 and 2019 were used for analysis of birth weight, weaning weight, eight month weight and yearling weight in response to sex and type of birth. The overall least square means for birth weight is 3.246 ± 0.056 kg, weaning weight is 17.86 ± 0.105 kg, eight month weight is 28.66 ± 0.2.6 kg and yearling weight is 45.10 ± 0.218 kg. The least square means across sex for birth weight, weaning weight, eight month weight and yearling weight were 3.368 ± 0.090 kg, 18.42 ± 0.226 kg, 31.69 ± 0.415 kg and 49.29 ± 0.707 kg for male and 3.136 ± 0.068 kg, 17.43 ±0.150 kg, 26.35 ± 0.378 kg and 42.18 ± 0.778 kg for female respectively. Sex and type of birth have significant effect on birth weight and weaning weight, while for eight month weight and yearling weight, sex have significant effect but no significant effect on type of birth. In conclusion, the overall growth performance of Boer goat in Goat Research Station was to the expectation and may increase on improvement of management and environmental effects. Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2020. 49 (2): 166-169

Introduction: Enteric fever, a systemic infection caused by Salmonella enterica Typhi and S. enterica Paratyphi is one of the most common infections in developing countries such as Nepal. Aside from irrational practices of antibiotic use, mutations in chromosomal genes encoding DNA gyrase and Topoisomerase IV and by plasmid mediated quinolone resistant (PMQR) genes are suggested mechanisms for the development of resistance to nalidixic acid and reduced susceptibility to ciprofloxacin. Regardless of high endemicity of enteric fever in Nepal, there is paucity of studies on prevalence and drug-resistance of the pathogen. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of Salmonella isolates and determine the minimum inhibitory concentration of ciprofloxacin. Methods: A total of 1298 blood samples were obtained from patients with suspected enteric fever, attending Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital (STIDH) during March–August, 2019. Blood samples were inoculated immediately into BACTEC culture bottles and further processed for isolation and identification of Salmonella Typhi and S. Paratyphi. Axenic cultures of the isolates were further subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) by using the modified Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method based on the guidelines by CLSI. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of ciprofloxacin was determined by agar-dilution method. Results: Out of 1298 blood cultures, 40 (3.1%) were positive for Salmonella spp. among which 29 (72.5%) isolates were S. Typhi and 11 (27.5%) isolates were S. Paratyphi A. In AST, 12.5% (5/40), 15% (6/40) and 20% (8/40) of the Salmonella isolates were susceptible to nalidixic acid, ofloxacin and levofloxacin, respectively, whereas none of the isolates were susceptible to ciprofloxacin. The MIC value for ciprofloxacin ranged from 0.06-16 µg/mL in which, respectively, 5% (2/40) and 52.5% (21/40) of the isolates were susceptible and resistant to ciprofloxacin. None of the isolates showed multidrug-resistance (MDR) in this study. Conclusion: This study showed high prevalence of quinolone-resistant Salmonella spp., while there was marked re-emergence of susceptibilities to traditional first option drugs. Hence, conventional first-line-drugs and third-generation cephalosporins may find potential usage as the empirical drugs for enteric fever. Although our reporting was free of MDR strains, extensive surveillance, augmentation of diagnostic facilities and treatment protocol aided by AST report are recommended for addressing the escalating drug-resistance in the country.

Abiotic fluctuations in montane ecosystems trigger changes in the hydric functional traits of tree species. These variations are better recognized in tree species inhabiting montane humid ravine slopes with different elevation, as is the case of many areas across the Mexican Neotropical montane forests. Little is known about the response of tree towards elevation gradients and abiotic changes. In this study, we analyzed the leaf morphological variation of two rare and Mexican endemic Symplocos species (S. coccinea and S. speciosa) occurring eastern Mexico on sites with different microclimate and elevation but similar floristic composition. We quantified how the abiotic factors (i.e. canopy openness, soil temperature, soil moisture, and litter depth) and site elevation influence the leaf traits of these tree species. Symplocos coccinea (with toothed leaf margins) is adapted to high humid conditions and high canopy coverage, while S. speciosa (with almost entire leaf margins) is resilient to environments with moisture deficit and high temperatures. Process-based research with fine-spatial scales at montane ecosystems are needed to understand the resilience and morphological variations of montane tree species under climate change worldwide. In this study, we confirmed that the Symplocos leaf morphological traits (i.e. leaf length, leaf width, leaf shape index, leaf base angle and vein density) are strongly influenced by abiotic conditions (i.e. canopy openness, litterfall depth, soil moisture and soil temperature).

This study aimed to determine the effect of seed priming (on-farm, hydro, halo, osmo, vitamin c priming, and hardening) on the germination and seedling growth of spring rice varieties: hardinath-3, hardinath-1, and chaite-5 at ambient room temperature. A factorial completely randomized design (CRD) was carried out with two factors: methods of priming and varieties at agriculture knowledge center (AKC), kapilbastu during march 2020. There were, in total, 21 treatment combinations and four replications. Parameters observed were germination percentage, speed of germination, vigor index, root length, shoot length, fresh weight, and dry weight of rice seedlings. Hardinath-3 had superior performance in terms of germination percentage (95.35 %), vigor index (183.86), root length (11.51 cm) and shoot length (7.39 cm) compared to hardinath-1 and chaite-5; the speed of germination, however, was greater in hardinath-1. Seed hardening - alternate soaking (tap water for 24 hours) and drying - induced higher germination percentage (94.91 %), speed of germination (96.00), and vigor index (197.43) than did other priming methods; germination percentage of vitamin c primed seeds (94.75 %), nevertheless, were at statistical par with hardened seeds. Hardened hardinath-3 seeds were better in regards to germination percentage (97.50 %) and root length (12.92 cm), while the speed of germination (97.50) and vigor index (210.50) was greater in hardened hardinath-1. Vitamin c primed seeds of hardinath-3 and hardinath-1 were finer with dry weight, shoot length, and vigor index. In conclusion, farmers' are suggested to hardened seeds of hardinath-3 before sowing to promote uniform germination and growth.

Indigenous fermented foods Gundruk (fermented mustard leaves), Sinki (fermented radish taproot), and Maseura (fermented lentils) are mostly sun dried, and thus often deteriorate during the uncontrolled drying process. Herein, cabinet drying was done at 50, 55, and 60°C after fermentation, and the moisture loss was systematically recorded. The data were converted to moisture ratio and fitted to five semi-theoretical drying mathematical models: Modified Henderson and Pabis, Logarithmic, Two-Term, Midilli et al., and Approximate diffusion. All the models were validated using statistical parameters, namely: R2, RMSE, χ2, and SSE. The Midilli et al. model gave excellent fit for all three products, with R2 greater than 0.97. The effective diffusivity values increased with an increase in air temperature for all the samples. The activation energy values were found to be 56.25, 21.63 and 15.08 kJ/ mol while the diffusivity constants were found to be 1268.51, 0.028, and 8.655× 10-3 m2/s for Gundruk, Sinki, and Maseura, respectively.

In this study, a nitritation-anammox biocathode microbial desalination cell (NiAmoxMDC) was studied for its potential in nitrogen and salinity removal. A maximum power density of 1.007 W/m3 and an ...

Supplementation of concentrate feed during late pregnancy of doe is an approach to improve milk yield and kid performance after kidding. The experiment was conducted to find out appropriate level and duration of supplementation to the pregnant doe. The data of the experiment were analyzed applying Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with factorial arrangements with three replications. First factor used in the experiment was the duration of concentrate feeding (15 days, 30 days, 45 days and 60 days) and second was amount of concentrate supplemented (2.00%, 1.75%, 1.50% and 1.25% of their body weight). Birth weight, weaning weight, milk yield and kid mortality in different groups were recorded. Birth weight and weaning weight were found higher in 60 days supplemented group i.e. 2.3±0.23 kg and 10.94±0.41 kg, respectively. Both birth weight and weaning weight were also found higher with 2 percent concentrate feeding group than others i.e. 2.1±0.23 kg and 9.64±0.42 kg, respectively. Milk yield recorded for fourth week shows that higher milk yields were found in 2 percent concentrate supplemented group with 60 days time period. The result showed that by increasing the level of concentrate during late gestation period of does increased the birth weight, weaning weight of kids and increased milk yield of does. So the higher level of concentrate supplementation is required during 45 to 60 days of late gestation in does. Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2019. 48 (1): 23-28

Introduction Opportunistic bacterial and fungal infections are the major cause of morbidity and mortality among immune suppressed HIV-positive patients. The main objective of this study was to determine bacterial and fungal organisms causing respiratory infections and their susceptibility to commonly prescribed antimicrobials among HIV patients attending a tertiary infectious disease hospital in Kathmandu. Methods Sputum samples were collected from the HIV-positive patients attending Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital (STIDH) from August 2017 to March 2018. A total of 100 sputum samples were cultured on conventional bacterial and fungal culture media. Bacterial and fungal isolates were identified based on their colony characteristics, microscopic morphology and various biochemical tests. Antibiotic susceptibility test (AST) of bacterial isolates was performed by modified Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method. Results Out of 100 sputum samples cultured, 24% (n=24) showed bacterial growth, 42% (n=42) showed fungal growth and 10% (n=10) had both bacterial and fungal growth. Among bacteria, 91.6% (n=22) were monomicrobial and 8.4% (n=2) were polymicrobial in growth, of which, Klebsiella pneumoniae (37.5%) were predominant isolates, followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (29.2%), and Escherichia coli (16.7%). The antibiotic susceptibility test (AST) showed 68% (17/25) of bacterial isolates were multi-drug resistant (MDR) and among them 41.2% (7/17) were found to be extended spectrum β lactamase (ESBL) producers. Fungal growth was observed in 42% of samples (42/100). A total of six different species of Candida and four different genera of molds were identified. On species differentiation, Candida albicans (20%) were followed by Candida parapsilosis (4%), and Candida dubliniensis (3%); and various molds were Aspergillus fumigatus (4%), Aspergillus flavus (2%), and Penicillium species (5%). CD4 count was inversely associated with bacterial and fungal infections. Fifty percent of the patients with the fungal infections had a CD4 count below 200. No fungal organisms were isolated from HIV-positive patients under antifungal drug treatment. Conclusion HIV-positive patients with a CD4 count less than 200 cells/µL are more vulnerable to opportunistic infections of bacterial and fungal origin. Early isolation, identification and appropriate treatment can reduce mortality due to co-infections. Routine screening of opportunistic pathogens is critical to contain the disease progression.

Study of carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) can reveal information about the lifestyle and behavior of an organism. Rhodococcus species is well known for xenobiotic metabolism; however, their carbohydrate utilization ability has been less discussed till date. This study aimed to present the CAZyme analysis of two Rhodococcus strains, PAMC28705 and PAMC28707, isolated from lichens in Antarctica, and compare them with other Rhodococcus, Mycobacterium, and Corynebacterium strains. Genome-wide computational analysis was performed using various tools. Results showed similarities in CAZymes across all the studied genera. All three genera showed potential for significant polysaccharide utilization, including starch, cellulose, and pectin referring their biotechnological potential. Keeping in mind the pathogenic strains listed across all three genera, CAZymes associated to pathogenicity were analyzed too. Cutinase enzyme, which has been associated with phytopathogenicity, was abundant in all the studied organisms. CAZyme gene cluster of Rhodococcus sp. PAMC28705 and Rhodococcus sp. PAMC28707 showed the insertion of cutinase in the cluster, further supporting their possible phytopathogenic properties.

A study was carried out in Thulosirubari village of Chautara Sangachowkgadi municipality of Sindhupalchok district, Nepal to analyse the importance of TOF for immediate earthquake response and recovery. More than 80% of the households have trees in their own land with species such as Chilaune (Schima wallichii), Kutmiro (Litsea monopetala), Khote Salla (Pinus roxburghii) and Bamboo are common. Among surveyed households (134), more than 75% respondents reported that they used Schima wallichii for pillar (Khaba) to make temporary houses, whereas bamboo was used for all kind of poles (Dada/Vata/Balo) in more than 80% of temporary houses. Both Bamboo and Schima wallichii were either extracted from their own land or from neighbour's land, i.e. TOF which were easily available and collected as required. We could not draw any statistical conclusion in choice of species to construct temporary houses by wealth categories. However, we have observed that people who have sufficient and varieties of trees in own land, have selected strong and hard wood for permanent house construction whereas those who do not have choice, are limited to use any of the available tree species. People were highly aware about importance of trees to cope with disaster; however selection of species was still debatable because of limited knowledge and researches. J. Biodivers. Conserv. Bioresour. Manag. 2020, 6(1): 9-16

A field experiment was conducted at Bangaun, Lamahi-3, Dang, Nepal to study the effect of GA3 on growth and flowering attributes of African marigold (Tagetes erecta) in Inner Terai of Nepal. The experiment consists of three replications and 8 treatments and laid out in a randomized complete block design- consisting of various concentrations of GA3 viz. 0ppm, 50ppm, 100ppm, 150ppm, 200ppm, 250ppm, 300ppm, and 350ppm. Kolkata local variety of African marigold was tested. The study revealed that among different concentrations of GA3, 300ppm showed the tallest plant height (72.93cm) and the highest basal diameter (1.49cm). Maximum numbers of primary branches (3.11) and the greatest plant spread (32.11cm) were obtained from 250ppm; similarly, maximum numbers of secondary branches (13.80) were recorded in 350ppm. In the case of floral parameters both 100ppm and 350ppm recorded earlier days to 50% flowering (44.00 days each), days for 100% flowering was recorded almost similar in every treatment that sticks around 54 and 55 days, maximum diameter (5.370cm) of flowers were obtained from 50ppm, the greatest fresh weight (6.180g) was recorded in 350ppm, 250ppm showed a maximum number of flower per plant (104.13), similarly, a longer duration of flowering (58 days) was recorded in 300ppm. Among all treatments, the 250ppm level of GA3 was found to be most suitable in terms of production perspective.

Background: Klebsiella pneumoniae is one of the leading causes of nosocomial infections. Carbapenems are used as the last resort for the treatment of multidrug resistant Gram-negative bacterial infections. In recent years, resistance to these lifesaving drugs has been increasingly reported due to the production of carbapenemase. The main objective of this study was to detect the carbapenem-resistant genes blaNDM-1 and blaVIM in K. pneumoniae isolated from different clinical specimens. Methods: A total of 585 clinical specimens (urine, pus, sputum, blood, catheter tips, and others) from human subjects attended at Annapurna Neurological Institute and Allied Sciences, Kathmandu were obtained in the period between July 2018 and January 2019. The specimens were isolated and identified for K. pneumoniae. All K. pneumoniae isolates were processed for antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) using the disk diffusion method. The isolates were further phenotypically confirmed for carbapenemase production by the modified Hodge test (MHT) using imipenem (10 μg) and meropenem (10 μg) discs. Thus, confirmed carbapenemase-producing isolates were further screened for the production of blaNDM-1 and blaVIM using conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: Among the clinical isolates tested, culture positivity was 38.29% (224/585), and the prevalence of K. pneumoniae was 25.89% (58/224). On AST, K. pneumoniae exhibited resistance toward carbapenems including ertapenem, meropenem, and imipenem, while it showed the highest susceptibility rate against to tigecycline (93.1%; 54/58). Overall, AST detected 60.34% (35/58) carbapenem-resistant isolates, while the MHT phenotypically confirmed 51.72% (30/58) isolates as carbapenemase-producers and 48.28% (28/58) as carbapenemase nonproducers. On subsequent screening for resistant genes among carbapenemase-producers by PCR assay, 80% (24/30) and 3.33% (1/30) isolates were found to be positive for blaNDM-1 and blaVIM, respectively. In the same assay among 28 carbapenem nonproducing isolates, 9 (32.14%) isolates were positive for blaNDM-1 gene while none of them were tested positive for blaVIM gene. Conclusions: Molecular detection of resistant genes provides greater specificity and sensitivity than those with conventional techniques, thus aiding in accurate identification of antimicrobial resistance and clinical management of the disease.

Spatio-temporal characteristics of agricultural drought and its impact on the yield of winter barley and summer millet crops in Karnali Province of Nepal were evaluated. For this purpose, precipitation data from 1988 to 2018 of 18 stations and agricultural data from 2003 to 2018 were used for the analysis. Standardized Precipitation Indices (SPI-3 and SPI-4) were used for measuring drought intensity. Based on drought intensity, SPI

Rice blast (Pyriculariaoryzae Cavara) is one of the most devastating diseases affecting the rice crop in across the world. Systemic fungicides are used for the suppression of blast diseases caused by fungal pathogens. Propiconazole and Carbendazim are commercial chemical control products available in markets for the control of the fungal pathogen. An experiment was conducted to examine the effectiveness of systemic fungicide on suppression of rice blast incidence in farmers' field during wet seasons in 2016. The treatments consisted of the use of different levels of propiconazole and Carbendazim on ‘Rato Basmati’ a landrace rice variety. The experiments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The disease was scored according to the standard scale developed by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). Disease severity and Area under Disease Progressive curve (AUDPC) was computed based on that scale score. Propiconazole and Carbendazim at different levels reduce disease development than no treatment (control). But its efficacy was not consistent. The magnitude of disease suppression by Propiconazole was high as compared to Carbendazim. The application of propiconazole at the rate of 1.5 ml effectively reduced disease severity and AUDPC at different dates. So propiconazole at the rate of 1.5 ml thrice at weekly intervals is effective to reduce the disease development

Milk is an excellent medium for the growth of many bacteria. This study aimed to determine antibiotic profiling and thermal inactivation of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli isolated from raw milk of Dharan. Total viable count, total Staphylococcal count, and total coliform count were carried out by conventional microbiological methods. Identification was done on the basis of Gram staining and biochemical tests. The antibiotic susceptibility test of the isolates carried out by the modified Kirby-Baur disc diffusion method. Thermal inactivation of S. aureus and E. coli were carried out by subjecting to thermal treatment in a water bath. Total plate count ranged from 204×104 CFU/mL to 332×105 CFU/mL. Total staphylococcal count and total coliform count ranged from 14×105 CFU/mL to 8×106 CFU/mL and 11×104 CFU/mL to 3×106 CFU/mL respectively. S. aureus showed an increasing resistance patterns towards Ampicillin, Cefotixin, Carbenicillin and Cefotaxime. Ciprofloxacin, Erythromycin, Amikacin, Gentamycin, Azithromycin, and Chloramphenicol were found to be effective against S. aureus. All the E. coli isolates were resistant to Ampicillin and least resistant to Cefotixin. Chloramphenicol, Amikacin, Azithromycin, and Nalidixic acid were found highly effective to E. coli. The D-values for S. aureus at 56°C, 58°C and 60°C were 1.36 min, 1.19 min, and 1.09 min respectively. The Z-value was 14.92°C. While D-values were obtained as 0.98 min, 0.75 min, and 0.57 min for E. coli at 56° C, 58° C and 60° C respectively, and Z-value was 9.75° C. Hence, S. aureus was found to be more heat resistant than E. coli.

This study was conducted to assess comparative economic analysis of the areca nut and rice production. This study also aimed to assess the major governing factors and overall economy involved in the production, major problems leading to shift rice farming, key determinants of areca nut production in the study area. Seventy areca nut growers were selected by simple random technique and thirty rice growers were selected by purposive sampling technique. Three potential areas of Jhapa district: Mechinagar municipality 1, 2, 3, 4; Buddhashanti and Arjundhara were selected as the survey site where there is major shifting of rice cultivation for commercial areca nut farming. The data collection was done from both primary and secondary sources. Descriptive statistics benefit cost analysis, resource use efficiency through Cobb-Douglas economic model was used to analyze data using SPSS. It was found that areca nut production had significantly higher gross return in comparison to rice whose production was affected by factors viz. labor, manure, chemical fertilizers, pesticides and irrigation in areca nut while machineries use, chemical fertilizers, seeds, manure and labor for rice production. The major reason for adopting areca nut cultivation was easier in cultivation practice, low cost of cultivation and high economic return. The B/C ratio of areca nut and rice was 2.02 and 0.99 respectively which was statistically significant. The productivity of the areca nut can be increased by adopting improved cultivation practices and scientific technology. Since, agro climatic conditions favors the production of areca nut cultivation, it should be shifted from small scale to commercialized form.

Bats are the only active flying placental mammals and are traditionally classified into mega- and microbats, which are, respectively, herbivorous and insectivorous in feeding habit. Though deforestation, habitat destruction, natural calamities, illegal hunting, and climate changes are the challenging threats for bats, the role of existing gastrointestinal (GI) parasites have not been evaluated yet in Nepal. Thus, the current study aims to determine the prevalence of GI parasites in bats from the Shaktikhor area at the Chitwan district of Southcentral Nepal. From July 2018 to February 2019, a total of 60 fecal samples of bats (30 from frugivorous bats and 30 from the insectivorous bats) were collected. These samples were preserved at 2.5% potassium dichromate solution. The fecal examination was carried out by the direct wet mount, concentrations, acid-fast staining, and sporulation techniques. Overall results showed the prevalence rate of 80% GI parasites. The parasites detected in the insectivorous bats were Ascarid spp., Capillarid sp., Cryptosporidium sp., Eimeria spp., Entamoeba sp., Giardia sp., Hymenolepis spp., Isospora sp., Oxyurid sp., Strongyle, and Strongyloides sp. In contrast, Eimeria sp., Entamoeba sp., and Hymenolepis sp. were detected in the frugivorous bats. Based on a wide diversity of parasite richness and parasitic concurrency measured by the prevalence rates, we suggest that GI parasitism might be a threatening factor in the insectivorous bats in the current study area.

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While the relationship between homeownership and community involvement is mixed and unclear, this study aims to contribute to this debate by further examining the relationship between these two. Us...

Abscisic acid (ABA) is a key regulator of plant development and stress tolerance. Here we report functional validation of the ABA receptor OsPYL6 by constitutive and stress-inducible overexpression and RNAi silencing, in an indica rice cultivar ‘Pusa Sugandh 2’. Overexpression of OsPYL6 conferred ABA hypersensitivity during germination and promoted total root length. Overexpression and RNAi silencing of OsPYL6 resulted in enhanced accumulation of ABA in seedlings under non-stress conditions, at least, in part through up-regulation of different 9-cis epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase (NCED )genes. This suggests that PYL6 expression is crucial for ABA homeostasis. Analysis of drought tolerance of OsPYL6 transgenic and wild type plants showed that OsPYL6 overexpression enhanced the expression of stress-responsive genes and dehydration tolerance. Transgenic rice plants overexpressing OsPYL6 with AtRD29A (Arabidopsis thaliana Responsive to Dehydration 29A) promoter also exhibited about 25% less whole plant transpiration, compared with wild type plants under drought, confirming its role in activation of dehydration avoidance mechanisms. However, overexpression of PYL6 reduced grain yield under non-stress conditions due to reduction in height, biomass, panicle branching and spikelet fertility. RNAi silencing of OsPYL6 also reduced grain yield under drought. These results showed that rice OsPYL6 is a key regulator of plant development and drought tolerance, and fine-tuning of its expression is critical for improving yield and stress tolerance.

Miscanthus is a perennial wild grass that is of global importance for paper production, roofing, horticultural plantings, and an emerging highly productive temperate biomass crop. We report a chromosome-scale assembly of the paleotetraploid M. sinensis genome, providing a resource for Miscanthus that links its chromosomes to the related diploid Sorghum and complex polyploid sugarcanes. The asymmetric distribution of transposons across the two homoeologous subgenomes proves Miscanthus paleo-allotetraploidy and identifies several balanced reciprocal homoeologous exchanges. Analysis of M. sinensis and M. sacchariflorus populations demonstrates extensive interspecific admixture and hybridization, and documents the origin of the highly productive triploid bioenergy crop M. × giganteus. Transcriptional profiling of leaves, stem, and rhizomes over growing seasons provides insight into rhizome development and nutrient recycling, processes critical for sustainable biomass accumulation in a perennial temperate grass. The Miscanthus genome expands the power of comparative genomics to understand traits of importance to Andropogoneae grasses., The perennial grass Miscanthus is a promising biomass crop. Here, via genomics and transcriptomics, the authors reveal its allotetraploid origin, characterize gene expression associated with rhizome development and nutrient recycling, and describe the hybrid origin of the triploid M. x giganteus.

Gundruk is a fermented green leafy vegetable product prepared from fresh leaves of local vegetables called Rayo—sag (Brassica campestris), mustard (Brassica juncea), and cauliflower (Brassica oleracea) indigenous to the Nepali people. Fresh gundruk was prepared in a glass jar by fermenting the Brassica juncea leaves anaerobically for 16 days and the changes in biomass, lactic acid, and pH were evaluated after every 24 hr. The viable cell count increased from 6.03 × 104 cfu/g to 9.55 × 108 cfu/g after 3 days and then decreased gradually to remain constant after 8 days with 6.31 × 107 cfu/g until the end of fermentation. The lactic acid increased by about 12.58 times in 12 days and remained constant for the rest of the fermentation period. Unlike this, pH decreased from 6.59 to 3.71 on the 9th day of fermentation and then increased slightly till the last day of fermentation. The data obtained were fitted to two most widely accepted microbial growth models: Modified Gompertz, and Logistic model and three well‐known lactic acid production models: Luedeking‐ Piret, Monteagudo et al., and Balannec et al. model for lactic acid fermentation. Based on nonlinear regression analysis, Modified Gompertz, and Monteagudo et al. model gave a better fit to describe microbial growth and lactic acid production, respectively. The growth‐associated and non‐growth‐associated coefficients were determined to be 0.1104 and 0.0042, respectively, using Monteagudo et al. model. The findings revealed that lactic acid production in gundruk is a mixed type., The lactic acid increased by about 12.58 times in 12 days and remained constant for the rest of the fermentation period.The exponential increase in the LAB population was significant until 3rd day detecting at the level of almost 9.55 × 108 cfu/ml.Modified Gompertz model gave a better fit for LAB growth while the Monteagudo et al. model was well fitted for lactic acid production.