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Background The interest in the plant-derived healthy foods, nutraceuticals, functional foods and food supplements is increasing in recent times as potential agents in maintenance of health and the prevention and treatment of diseases. Matcha tea powder is obtained from the leaves of tea plant (Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze) grown under specific condition using about 90% shade. As compared to green tea, a hot water extract of tea leaves, matcha is consumed as a powder of whole leaves. Matcha powder is reported to have higher content of some bioactive components such as catechins, theanine and caffeine. In recent years, there is an increased market demand and consumption of matcha as a drink and as a component in various beverages, snacks and other food products. Scope and approach In this review, the available scientific information of the chemical constituents and their analysis and biological activities were critically analyzed. These results may help to understand current status of research on matcha and the gaps which help to guide future research related to evidence based product formulations. Key findings and conclusions Various studies have reported the difference in bioactive compounds in matcha as compared to green tea and other tea formulations. The content and composition were mostly affected by the cultivation and processing techniques. Analysis of marketed samples in various countries have shown the variable content of the bioactive compounds. Thus, there is a need for proper standardization for maintaining the quality. Matcha as a whole, its extract and compounds have shown promising biological activities in in vitro and animal studies. However, comparatively only a few clinical studies are performed, which need future attention. There should also be more detailed studies regarding matcha-containing food products' formulation, quality control and biological activities.

Subclinical mastitis (SCM) represents a significant burden and challenge to modern dairy management. Multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli (MDR E. coli) in milk poses a public health threat to humans especially via the consumption of unpasteurized dairy products. This study aimed to determine the occurrence of MDR E. coli in cows and buffalo in the households of the western part of the Chitwan district of Nepal. A total of 243 lactating cows and buffalo were included in this study. Milk samples (n = 972) were screened using the California Mastitis Test (CMT). The E. coli was isolated from milk samples that were positive for CMT using standard bacteriological protocols. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to farmers to identify the risk factors associated with the occurrence of SCM in cows and buffalo. Of the 243 dairy animals screened, 42.8% (n = 104/243) showed positive CMT results. However, of the 972 quarters sampled, only 19.3% (n = 188/972) were positive for SCM. The prevalence of E. coli in these animals was found to be 16.5% in animals (n = 40/243). However, E. coli was isolated from only 5% (n = 49/972) of the quarters. Of the 49 E. coli isolated, the resistance to ceftriaxone (38.8%, n = 19/49) and ciprofloxacin (37.7%, n = 17/49) were the most prevalent. Animals with a history of mastitis were 3.57 times more likely to have SCM than other animals. Similarly, lactating animals with previous teat abrasions were 3.22 times more likely to develop SCM than animals without teat injuries. As expected, cleaning the barn once in 2 to 3 d was associated with an increased occurrence of SCM in lactating cows. This study reports the occurrence of MDR E. coli in SCM, which poses a public health threat. Creating awareness of milk pasteurization, and food safety practices are necessary among the farmers.

In Nepal, there is currently no volume function for economically valuable tree species like Shorea robusta Gaertn. prepared based on destructive sampling for stem and branches. Existing functions rely on solely diameter and height, despite research indicating the importance of crown dimensions for stem taper. The objective of this study was to collate harmonized data from destructive sampled S. robusta trees from far-west to east Nepal, spanning about 500 km and to prepare new stem and branch volume functions. For every tree (n = 219) diameter at breast height (DBH) and tree height (H) was measured. Thereof 188 trees had measurements of crown length (CL). For a subsample (n = 100) volume of branches (>10 cm diameter) were measured too. We fitted functions for stem and branch volume using regression mixed models with DBH, slenderness and crown ratio as covariates/predictors. We hypothesized that crown ratio is needed for accurate stem and branch volume predictions. Our results indicate that DBH and slenderness were the most important variables for predicting stem volume (marginal coefficient of determination R2 0.948), whereas the inclusion of crown ratio did not increase the explained variance. Crown ratio significantly increased explained variance in branch volume functions, suggesting that crown dimensions are needed to obtain accurate branch volume predictions (marginal R2 0.766). Estimating volume with only DBH, e.g. if more detailed H and CL measurements are missing, resulted in more precise estimates for stem (marginal R2 0.908) and fair estimates for branch volume (marginal R2 0.554). Our mixed model approach revealed that there were only small differences in volume from the different sampling sites and a similar accuracy can be assumed when applying the presented functions in other part of the country. Additionally, we demonstrated that log-transformation and currently used volume functions lead to biased volume estimates, in particular for large-sized trees. This study helps to provide reliable growing stock estimates of S. robusta (and in combination with density the carbon content) and considers the effects of wider spacing and longer crowns on stem taper and allocation patterns.

An experiment was conducted to study characters associated with higher yield potential of potato genotypes at the Directorate of Agricultural Research, Tarahara, Nepal during two consecutive winter seasons of 2018 and 2019. A total of eleven potato genotypes (CIP 394600.52, CIP 396012.266, CIP 393371.159, PRP 266265.15, CIP 395443.103, CIP 393371.164, PRP 336769.1, PRP 136368.9, PRP 25861.11, CIP 377957.5 and PRP 225861.5) were evaluated in a Randomized Complete Block Design with four replications. Each treatment received a 7.2 m2 plot area with 60 cm row to row and 25 cm plant to plant spacing, accommodating 48 plants per plot. Cultural practices were done as per the recommendations and fungicide was not applied for late blight of potato (Phytophthora infestans) control. The observed data were subjected to variance, correlation and cluster analysis. Analysis of variance showed significant differences for some plant and tuber characteristics. From the pooled analysis of two years’ data, the genotype 'PRP 266265.15' was found to be a suitable genotype in plains due to its higher yield (21.91 t/ha) and other yield characteristics. The higher quantity of over seed-size and under seed-size tuber contributed to the highest tuber yield of PRP 266265.15. The weight (r = 0.928**) and number (r = 0.483**) of the over seed-size tuber had a positive significant correlation with tuber yield per hectare. Further research is needed to study yield stability of the genotype 'PRP 266265.15' in various locations with similar production environments.

Abstract Background Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) is a high-value grain known for its excellent nutritional balance. It is an allotetraploid species (AABB, 2n = 4x = 36) formed by the hybridization between AA and BB genome diploid (2n = 2x = 18) species. This study reports genetic studies in Chenopodium ficifolium as a potential B genome diploid model system to simplify the genetic studies of quinoa including gene identification and marker-assisted breeding. Results Portsmouth, New Hampshire and Quebec City, Quebec accessions of C. ficifolium were used to develop an F2 population segregating for agronomically relevant traits including flowering time, plant height, the number of branches, branch angle, and internode length. Marker-trait associations were identified for the FLOWERING LOCUS T-LIKE 1 (FTL1) marker gene, where the alternate alleles (A1/A2) were segregating among the F2 generation plants in association with flowering time, plant height, and the number of branches. There was a strong correlation of the flowering time trait with both plant height and the number of branches. Thus, a possible multifaceted functional role for FTL1 may be considered. The parental Portsmouth and Quebec City accessions were homozygous for the alternate FTL1 alleles, which were found to be substantially diverged. SNPs were identified in the FTL1 coding sequence that could have some functional significance in relation to the observed trait variation. Conclusion These results draw further attention to the possible functional roles of the FTL1 locus in Chenopodium and justify continued exploration of C. ficifolium as a potential diploid model system for the genetic study of quinoa. We expect our findings to aid in quinoa breeding as well as to any studies related to the Chenopodium genus.

Conservation of large carnivores such as leopards requires large and interconnected habitats. Despite the wide geographic range of the leopard globally, only 17% of their habitat is within protected areas. Leopards are widely distributed in Nepal, but their population status and occupancy are poorly understood. We carried out the sign‐based leopard occupancy survey across the entire Chure range (~19,000 km2) to understand the habitat occupancy along with the covariates affecting their occupancy. Leopard signs were obtained from in 70 out of 223 grids surveyed, with a naïve leopard occupancy of 0.31. The model‐averaged leopard occupancy was estimated to be 0.5732 (SE 0.0082) with a replication‐level detection probability of 0.2554 (SE 0.1142). The top model shows the additive effect of wild boar, ruggedness, presence of livestock, and human population density positively affecting the leopard occupancy. The detection probability of leopard was higher outside the protected areas, less in the high NDVI (normalized difference vegetation index) areas, and higher in the areas with livestock presence. The presence of wild boar was strong predictor of leopard occupancy followed by the presence of livestock, ruggedness, and human population density. Leopard occupancy was higher in west Chure (0.70 ± SE 0.047) having five protected areas compared with east Chure (0.46 ± SE 0.043) with no protected areas. Protected areas and prey species had positive influence on leopard occupancy in west Chure range. Similarly in the east Chure, the leopard occupancy increased with prey, NDVI, and terrain ruggedness. Enhanced law enforcement and mass awareness activities are necessary to reduce poaching/killing of wild ungulates and leopards in the Chure range to increase leopard occupancy. In addition, maintaining the sufficient natural prey base can contribute to minimize the livestock depredation and hence decrease the human–leopard conflict in the Chure range., The model‐averaged leopard occupancy in the Chure range (~19,000 km2) was 0.5732 (SE 0.0082) with a detection probability of 0.2554 (SE 0.1142). The top model included wild boar, ruggedness, presence of livestock, and human population density as covariates. Further, maintaining a sufficient natural prey base can contribute to minimize the livestock depredation and hence decrease the human–leopard conflict in the Chure range.

The diversity of insect pollinators and their impact on crop yield of mustard were studied in Kusma, Parbat, Nepal from December 2018 to April 2019 in four blocks with each having 12 m2 areas. Two plots; treatment and control, were established in each block. Insect diversity was observed from 8 to 16 hrs, with the interval of an hour for three consecutive months (Jan-Feb). Eighty mustard plants were randomly selected, 40 from each plot just before flowering to find the impact of insect pollination on crop yield and these selected plants were examined for various qualitative and quantitative parameters. Altogether 16 species of pollinator insects belonging to five orders and nine families were recorded. Hymenoptera (36 %) was the most abundant order visiting mustard flowers followed by Diptera (34 %), Coleoptera (17 %), Lepidoptera (12 %) and Heteroptera (1 %). The most abundant family was Apidae (35.64 %), followed by Syrphidae (31.84 %). Apis cerana and Eristalis sp. were the most important pollinator insects of mustard. Seven species were found foraging both on pollen and nectar, four species foraging only on nectar and remaining five as casual visitors. The peak foraging activities of majority of the insects were observed between 12 hr to 14 hr. A significant difference was observed in the number of pods (59.80 ± 1.967 and 70.47 ± 2.431), fruit set (70.55 ± 1.362 and 80.94 ± 0.638), number of seeds per pods (16.70 ± 0.248 and 19.30 ± 0.330), diameter of seed (0.133 ± 0.2547 and 0.275 ± 0.0051) and weight of 100 dry seeds (0.33 ± 0.058 and 0.48 ± 0.023) in control and treatment plots whereas, the difference was non-significant in case of pod length between control and treatment plots (P=0.163).

Due to the growing interest in the production and consumption of wild boar meat, the quality attributes of meat products should be well established. To characterize the quality of wild boar cross meat, two males and two females reared in the same environment were slaughtered at an average of one year of age, and meat samples were was collected and analyzed for different parameters such as for moisture, pH value, protein, fat, iron, phosphorous, calcium, water holding capacity through the measure of cooking loss. Data obtained for live body weight, carcass biochemical characteristics, and meat quality traits were submitted to one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) using a general linear model (uni-variate) in Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) computer program and the level of significance was determined observing the probability value (p) obtained through ANOVA of respective traits. To study the association among nutritive values and body parts, Pearson’s correlation coefficients were determined using in Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) computer program. The pH values were found to be in the range of 5.78 to 5.90. Moisture, total ash, fat, and protein contents were observed to be in the range of 71.38 to 73.57 %, 0.89 to 1.10 %, 4.34 to 5.54 %, and 16.73 to 18.84 % respectively. Iron, phosphorous, and calcium content were found to be in the range of 1.94 to 2.94 mg/100g, 20.17 to 37.57 mg/100g, and 170.68 to 190.88 mg/100g respectively whereas cooking loss was in the range of 31.59 to 26.88 %. Sensory evaluation of meat samples was examined by a group of panelists according to the hedonic rating test. The consumer preference was similar to both types of meat samples (male and female). The overall acceptance; however, were higher in female samples than in male samples due to boar taint evident during the cooking or eating of pork derived from non-castrated male pigs once they reach puberty. The comparison of wild crosses among available commercial pigs and indigenous pigs is warranted for further studies with an appropriate and defined production system to obtain lean meat as per the consumer preferences which could be extensively used in commercial pig production to provide high-quality pork.

The wheat stem sawfly, Cephus cinctus Norton (Hymenoptera: Cephidae), is a major pest of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in the northern Great Plains, where it is a constant threat in Montana and is resurging in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and North Dakota. Adoption of solid-stemmed cultivars is an important management tool for wheat growers; however, the inconsistent pith expression first noted with the release of ‘Rescue’ has been repeatedly observed in modern cultivars such as ‘Lillian’ in Canada. Given the extensive hectares planted to solid-stemmed wheat cultivars during an outbreak, the identification of cultivars that display stable stem solidness, grain yield, and grain protein concentration across a wide range of environments where stem sawfly infestations occur is desirable. We assessed spring wheat plant responses in eight solid-stemmed and two hollow-stemmed genotypes grown across diverse environments using multiple statistical models. Study sites included southern Alberta and Saskatchewan, Montana, and North Dakota. Most models agreed that the genotypes ‘Choteau’, ‘BW925’, and ‘Mott’ consistently displayed high and stable stem solidness concomitant with high grain yield. ‘Choteau’ and ‘BW925’ also consistently met or exceeded the desired threshold of a 3.75/5 pith rating (averaged from the lower four stem internodes) for optimum resistance, whereas ‘Mott’ developed optimal pith at a specific (early) phenological stage when resistance to wheat stem sawfly infestation is critical. Exploring the stability of stem solidness identified ideal genotypes that would enhance germplasm development efforts, which exemplifies how this approach can facilitate the selection, production, and adoption of solid-stemmed wheat cultivars in regions prone to wheat stem sawfly attack.

Objective: Pathogenic species of protozoa and helminth cause intestinal parasitosis, which continues to be a significant community well-being issue in many regions of the world, especially in pastoral regions of developing countries like Nepal. The study focused on determining the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and the associated risk factors among the people of the Chepang community of the Saktikhor area in the Chitwan district. Materials and Methods: A transversal study was conducted between May 2017 and October 2017, with a total of 125 participants. The fecal samples were examined using a wet media (saline media, iodine preparation), concentration and sucrose flotation method. The association between risk factors and parasitic prevalence was evaluated using the Pearson’s chi-square test. Results: The general prevalence of intestinal parasite infection was 52%. Infections with soil-borne helminth were more common than those with cestodes and protozoa. Common intestinal parasites included Ascaris lumbricoides (69.23%), Trichuris trichiura (9.23%), Hookworm (7.69%), Strongyloides stercoralis (4.62%), Hymenolepis nana (6.15%), Taenia sp. (6.15%), and Entamoeba coli (9.23%). High prevalence of infection was observed among male (53.96% ) participants and those aged over 20 years (69.44%). Pearson's chi-square test revealed a substantial relationship between prevalence of parasite and age group (P=0.0452), hand washing material (P

Despite being a major global health concern, cerebral ischemia/stroke has limited therapeutic options. Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is the only available medication to manage acute ischemic stroke, but this medication is associated with adverse effects and has a narrow therapeutic time window. Curcumin, a polyphenol that is abundantly present in the rhizome of the turmeric plant (Curcuma longa), has shown promising neuroprotective effects in animal models of neurodegenerative diseases, including cerebral ischemia. In the central nervous system (CNS), neuroprotective effects of curcumin have been experimentally validated in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and cerebral ischemia. Curcumin can exert pleiotropic effects in the postischemic brain including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, vasculoprotective, and direct neuroprotective efficacies. Importantly, neuroprotective effects of curcumin has been reported in both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke models. A broad-spectrum neuroprotective efficacy of curcumin suggested that curcumin can be an appealing therapeutic strategy to treat cerebral ischemia. In this review, we aimed to address the pharmacotherapeutic potential of curcumin in cerebral ischemia including its cellular and molecular mechanisms of neuroprotection revealing curcumin as an appealing therapeutic candidate for cerebral ischemia.

Aims: Thioredoxin (TRX)-fold proteins are ubiquitous in nature. This redox scaffold has evolved to enable a variety of functions, including redox regulation, protein folding, and oxidative stress defense. In bacteria, the TRX-like disulfide bond (Dsb) family mediates the oxidative folding of multiple proteins required for fitness and pathogenic potential. Conventionally, Dsb proteins have specific redox functions with monomeric and dimeric Dsbs exclusively catalyzing thiol oxidation and disulfide isomerization, respectively. This contrasts with the eukaryotic disulfide forming machinery where the modular TRX protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) mediates thiol oxidation and disulfide reshuffling. In this study, we identified and structurally and biochemically characterized a novel Dsb-like protein from Salmonella enterica termed bovine colonization factor protein H (BcfH) and defined its role in virulence. Results: In the conserved bovine colonization factor (bcf) fimbrial operon, the Dsb-like enzyme BcfH forms a trimeric structure, exceptionally uncommon among the large and evolutionary conserved TRX superfamily. This protein also displays very unusual catalytic redox centers, including an unwound α-helix holding the redox active site and a trans-proline instead of the conserved cis-proline active site loop. Remarkably, BcfH displays both thiol oxidase and disulfide isomerase activities contributing to Salmonella fimbrial biogenesis. Innovation and Conclusion: Typically, oligomerization of bacterial Dsb proteins modulates their redox function, with monomeric and dimeric Dsbs mediating thiol oxidation and disulfide isomerization, respectively. This study demonstrates a further structural and functional malleability in the TRX-fold protein family. BcfH trimeric architecture and unconventional catalytic sites permit multiple redox functions emulating in bacteria the eukaryotic PDI dual oxidoreductase activity. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 35, 21-39.

African swine fever (ASF) is a highly contagious viral infection of domestic and wild pigs with high mortality. First reported in East Africa in the early 1900s, ASF was largely controlled in domestic pigs in many countries. However, in recent years ASF outbreaks have been reported in several countries in Europe and Asia. The occurrence of ASF in China, the largest pork producer in the world, in 2018 and in India, the country that surrounds and shares open borders with Nepal, has increased the risk of ASF transmission to Nepal. Lately, the pork industry has been growing in Nepal, overcoming traditional religious and cultural biases against it. However, the emergence of viral infections such as ASF could severely affect the industry’s growth and sustainability. Because there are no effective vaccines available to prevent ASF, the government should focus on preventing entry of the virus through strict quarantine measures at the borders, controls on illegal trade, and effective management practices, including biosecurity measures.

Late blight, caused by Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary, is a devastating disease of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). To identify potential sources of resistance to the disease, 32 clones received from the National Potato Research Program (NPRP) were evaluated under natural conditions at the National Maize Research Program Rampur, Chitwan in 2018 and 2019. Potato cultivars Desire, Kufri Jyoti, and Farmers local were used as moderately resistant, susceptible, and highly susceptible checks, respectively. The experiments were laid out in α-lattice design with two replications. Each experimental plot of 3.6 m2 was seeded as two 3m long rows with 0.6 and 0.25 m row and plant spacing, respectively. Agronomic practices were followed as recommended by NPRP. The disease severity was measured based on a percentage of leaf area infected using disease scale of (1 to 9) at three times in seven days intervals. Disease severity values were converted into the area under disease progress curve (AUDPC). During harvest, the total yield and its components were recorded. Potato clones differed significantly (P ≤ 0.01) for disease severity, yield, and yield components. The results revealed high genetic variability, heritability, and genetic gain for disease parameters, tuber yield, and its components. Six clones (CIP311622.9, PRP277072.122, PRP146971.135, PRP147072.27, CIP311350.27, and PRP146971.117 had lower area under disease progress curve AUDPC) values (274.25 to 421.03), showed higher resistant in both years and yielded more tuber yield (~20 t/ha) than other clones. These clones could be used to develop late blight resistant, high yielding potato varieties

Tinea capitis (TC) is an infection of the scalp and hair caused by a dermatophyte fungus. Typically caused by the zoophilic and geophilic species of Microsporum and Trichophyton, it remains the commonest cutaneous fungal infection in children. A 9-year-old Nepalese boy was evaluated in outpatients for multiple boggy scalp lesions for two months. Suspecting a bacterial etiology, the lesions were excised and sent for cultures. While bacterial cultures failed to grow, endothrix spores were readily detected in potassium hydroxide preparation and histopathology. Trichophyton tonsurans was identified by the phenotype method and later confirmed by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF). Systemic antifungal therapy for 6 weeks along with local wound dressings resulted in complete recovery. At 2-year follow-up, focal alopecia was seen; however, no recurrence was noted.

The desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria (Forskal) (Orthoptera: Acrididae), is the world’s most dangerous and destructive migratory pest. It is a highly voracious and polyphagous insect. Its swarms can migrate hundreds of kilometers per day and invade areas covering millions of square kilometers, causing significant and widespread crop losses. In this review, we synthesize published research and reports on the life cycle, behavior, phases of desert locust along with its damage and management. Elements of locust management include population monitoring and population prediction. However, there are difficulties involved with estimating locust populations because locust swarms are highly mobile. Control techniques for managing locust swarms include cultural control (digging, burning), baiting (scattering locust food impregnated with insecticides), dusting with insecticide, and spraying liquid insecticides (chemical or biological) using ultra-low volume (ULV) application. Effective management strategy relies on improved knowledge of pest biology, more efficient monitoring and control techniques.

Since the beginning of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, there has been international concern about the emergence of virus variants with mutations that increase transmissibility, enhance escape from the human immune response, or otherwise alter biologically important phenotypes. In late 2020, several variants of concern emerged globally, including the UK variant (B.1.1.7), the South Africa variant (B.1.351), Brazil variants (P.1 and P.2), and two related California variants of interest (B.1.429 and B.1.427). These variants are believed to have enhanced transmissibility. For the South Africa and Brazil variants, there is evidence that mutations in spike protein permit it to escape from some vaccines and therapeutic monoclonal antibodies. On the basis of our extensive genome sequencing program involving 20,453 coronavirus disease 2019 patient samples collected from March 2020 to February 2021, we report identification of all six of these SARS-CoV-2 variants among Houston Methodist Hospital (Houston, TX) patients residing in the greater metropolitan area. Although these variants are currently at relatively low frequency (aggregate of 1.1%) in the population, they are geographically widespread. Houston is the first city in the United States in which active circulation of all six current variants of concern has been documented by genome sequencing. As vaccine deployment accelerates, increased genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 is essential to understanding the presence, frequency, and medical impact of consequential variants and their patterns and trajectory of dissemination.

This paper aims to analyze Doris Lessing’s The Fifth Child as story with a special focus on abnormal child Ben who is born with Down’s syndrome and how society fear his difference and play an important role in constructing what is termed as disability. The young English couple, Harriet and David Lavatt move from a romanticized ideal to hazardous situations with the conception and birth of the fifth child, Ben who is described throughout the novel as an animal, an alien or a kind of monstrous baby or the baby of a monster. The disabled baby exercises an evil and destructive force upon the family. The novel ends with the formerly happy couple and family scattered across England and the family members have been physically and emotionally traumatized due to the birth of the abnormal baby ‘Ben’. The mother’s desire for a unconventionally large family is also a sign of abnormality. She refuses the social and class conventions that dictate small families. She also refuses medical technologies and interventions during conception and at birth. This serves to prove that concepts like normalcy and disability are socially constructed and can be challenged. For the purpose of theory the paper draws on the ideas related to normalcy and disability from The Disability Studies Reader edited by Lennard J Davis.

Potato is one of the major crops of Nepal and postharvest loss is one of the major problems in the potato value chain system. Therefore, this study was conducted with the objective of assessing post-harvest losses of potato under farmers’ storage conditions. Potato tubers of six potato genotypes (three released varieties viz. ‘Jankdev’, ‘Khumal Upahar’ and ‘Khumal Vikash’ and three pipeline genotypes viz. ‘CIP 393073.179’, ‘CIP 395112.32’ and ‘Techno 304351.109’) were evaluated in randomized complete block design with three replications under four different farmers’ storage conditions at Panauti-8, Kavrepalanchok district of Nepal from May to August 2019. The tubers were cured after harvesting for two weeks in a shade, thereafter they were stored for 80 days. Data were recorded on 20, 40, 60, and 80 days of storage. The results showed that at 80 days of storage, the lowest weight loss (5.51%) was found in Techno 304151.109 followed by CIP 393073.179 (6.68%). Potato tuber moth infestation was minimum in CIP 393073.179 (1.15) followed by Techno 304151.109 (1.25). The days to sprouting was the highest in CIP 393073.179 (69.25) followed by Techno 304151.109 (68.75). No shrinkage was observed in CIP 393073.179 and Techno 304151.109 till 60 days of storage. Loss due to rotting was not observed in these genotypes. Therefore potato genotypes CIP 393073.179 and Techno 304351.109 were promising for their storability in farm conditions; which can be recommended for commercial production in the mid-hill environment of Nepal.

Bacterial cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes are responsible for the hydroxylation of diverse endogenous substances with a heme molecule used as a cofactor. This study characterized two CYP154C3 proteins from Streptomyces sp. W2061 (CYP154C3-1) and Streptomyces sp. KCCM40643 (CYP154C3-2). The enzymatic activity assays of both CYPs conducted using heterologous redox partners' putidaredoxin and putidaredoxin reductase showed substrate flexibility with different steroids and exhibited interesting product formation patterns. The enzymatic characterization revealed good activity over a pH range of 7.0 to 7.8 and the optimal temperature range for activity was 30 to 37°C. The major product was the C16-hydroxylated product and the kinetic profiles and patterns of the generated hydroxylated products differed between the two enzymes. Both enzymes showed a higher affinity toward progesterone, with CYP154C3-1 demonstrating slightly higher activity than CYP154C3-2 for most of the substrates. Oxidizing agents (diacetoxyiodo) benzene (PIDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) were also utilized to actively support the redox reactions, with optimum conversion achieved at concentrations of 3 mM and 65 mM, respectively. The oxidizing agents affected the product distribution, influencing the type and selectivity of the CYP-catalyzed reaction. Additionally, CYP154C3s also catalyzed the C-C bond cleavage of steroids. Therefore, CYP154C3s may be a good candidate for the production of modified steroids for various biological uses.

Maize hybrids can increase production, bridge the yield gap, and boost up domestic production in Nepal. Three-way cross hybrid introduces an alternative to produce low cost hybrid seed for resource poor farmers. A study was performed to identify promising yellow and white maize hybrids developed by International Centre for Maize and Wheat Improvement (CIMMYT), Mexico in Rampur, Nepal. Nineteen three-way cross white maize hybrids with two checks and seventeen yellow maize hybrids with one check were tested in field experiments on 2017 and 2018. Treatments were replicated twice in α-lattice design with each experimental plot of 9.6-m2 (4-m × 2.4-m). AF17A-426-13/14, AF17A-426-1/2, AF17A-426-28/39, and AF17A-426-15/16 were the three-way cross white hybrids produced grain yield of more than 9000 kg ha-1. Similarly, AF17A-473-20/29 and AF17A-473-18/27 yielded about 9000 kg ha-1 among the three-way cross yellow maize hybrids. These hybrids have commercial potentials to increase maize yield in Nepal if the provided parents are successful in the seed production.

Previous studies have confirmed the potential of hyperspectral spectroscopy (HS) to detect charcoal rot toxin effect on soybean (Glycine max). However, there is no evidence that it can differentiate among difference responses to that effect. This research tested the potential of HS (900–2400 nm) to differentiate different responses to charcoal rot effect caused by the fungal pathogen Macrophomina phaseolina. Known susceptible ‘Pharaoh’ and resistant ‘Spencer’ cultivars of soybean seedlings at the V1 stage were tested, and HS reflectance was measured in each treatment at 0 h (just before toxin treatment), 24 h, and 36 h after toxin treatment. For both cultivars, reflectance generally decreased up to 10% over time for controls and increased for treated seedlings up to 22%. Pharaoh had significant increases in reflectance 24 and 36 h after treatment, while Spencer did not exhibit significant changes in reflectance over the 24 and 36-h periods. The ratio of Al-Ahmadi et al. (2018) was also evaluated. Spencer showed a higher ratio than Pharaoh. Based on our results, HS can be used to compare the relative resistance of soybean cultivars to charcoal rot and is a potential screening technique to classify soybean cultivars based on their resistance to charcoal rot toxin.

Mechanical stress induced by contractions constantly threatens the integrity of muscle Z-disc, a crucial force-bearing structure in striated muscle. The PDZ-LIM proteins have been proposed to function as adaptors in transducing mechanical signals to preserve the Z-disc structure, however the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we show that LDB3, a well-characterized striated muscle PDZ-LIM protein, modulates mechanical stress signaling through interactions with the mechanosensing domain in filamin C, its chaperone HSPA8, and PKCα in the Z-disc of skeletal muscle. Studies of Ldb3Ala165Val/+ mice indicate that the myopathy-associated LDB3 p.Ala165Val mutation triggers early aggregation of filamin C and its chaperones at muscle Z-disc before aggregation of the mutant protein. The mutation causes protein aggregation and eventually Z-disc myofibrillar disruption by impairing PKCα and TSC2-mTOR, two important signaling pathways regulating protein stability and disposal of damaged cytoskeletal components at a major mechanosensor hub in the Z-disc of skeletal muscle., Pathak et al. identify LDB3, a striated muscle PDZ-LIM protein, as a signaling adaptor in a major mechanosensor assembly through interactions with filamin C, HSPA8, and PKCα. When LDB3 is mutated, PKCα and TSC2-mTOR mediated homeostasis is impaired, leading to protein aggregation myopathy.

We characterized two bacteriophages, ΦFG02 and ΦCO01, against clinical isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii and established that the bacterial capsule is the receptor for these phages. Phage-resistant mutants harboured loss-of-function mutations in genes responsible for capsule biosynthesis, resulting in capsule loss and disruption of phage adsorption. The phage-resistant strains were resensitized to human complement, beta-lactam antibiotics and alternative phages and exhibited diminished fitness in vivo. Using a mouse model of A. baumannii infection, we showed that phage therapy was effective.

Soil microbial communities are key players in the development of sustainable food production systems. These soil microbes are responsible for macronutrient and micronutrient mineralization and solubilization in soil. Local effective microorganisms (LEM) are a locally sourced bio-inoculate, made from a fermented mixture of actively decomposing forest litter and a nutrient rich growing media containing carbohydrate, milk, and water. It can be made on farm and have a suite of bacterial communities that includes phototrophic bacteria, phosphorous-solubilizers, ammonia-oxidizers, nitrogen fixers, and actinomycetes. The goal of our research was to (a) investigate microbial diversity in LEM and F-LEM bio-inocula; (b) identify bacterial and archaeal communities in soil after bio-inoculation with LEM, F-LEM, or Control; (c) assess inorganic nitrogen in the soil; and (d) evaluate Ca, Mg, K, and Zn nutrient density in edamame bean (Glycine max) grown with composted broiler litter inoculated with LEM, F-LEM, or Water (Control). Treatments were arranged in a completely randomized block design with four replications on twelve, 18 m2 organically managed plots. Results of microbial characterization indicated greater biodiversity of functional groups in the LEM inoculum. Inorganic N was significantly greater in LEM plots compared to Control in second (2016) and third (2017) years of the study. Biofortification of calcium, magnesium, and zinc density of LEM grown edamame was significantly greater compared to both Control and False-LEM grown edamame (*P

Proper pinching practice and the optimum rate of nitrogen (N) enhance the production of marigold. An experiment was conducted at a farmer’s field in Gadawa-4, Gangaparaspur, Dang, Nepal from July 2018 to November 2018 to investigate the effects of different rates of nitrogen and pinching on yield and yield attributes of African marigold (cv. Kolkata Local). Two factorial experiment was laid in the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. There were eight treatments, consist of four rates of nitrogen (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg/ha) and two levels of pinching (pinching and non-pinching). The maximum plant height (89.70 cm), the diameter of flower (4.29 cm) and the fresh weight per flower (4.32 g) and early days to 50% flowering (61.58) were obtained at non- pinching. The highest number of flowers (60.66), yield per plant (237.49 g) and yield per hectare (9.89 t/ha) were obtained with pinching. The highest plant height (92.20 cm) was recorded at 150 kg/ha of N but the highest yield per plant (238.18 g) and yield per ha (9.91 t/ha) was obtained at 50 kg/ha of nitrogen application. No significant effect was noted on the days to 50% flowering, number of flowers per plant, fresh weight per flower and diameter of flowers by different rates of nitrogen. The interaction of pinching and different rates of nitrogen showed non- significant effect on yield per plant and yield per ha. But, the combination of pinching and nitrogen rates at 50 kg/ha recorded the maximum yield per plant (249.20 g) and yield per ha (10.36 t/ha). Hence it is suggested to use pinching practice with optimum application of nitrogen @ 50 kg/ha to obtain high yield of marigold.

Th e ant subgenus Orthonotomyrmex Ashmead, 1906 of the genus Camponotus is reported for the fi rst time from Nepal. Five species from this subgenus are recognized as new records for Nepal, namely Camponotus mutilarius Emery, 1893, C. opaciventris Mayr, 1879, C. sericeus (Fabricius, 1798), C. lasiselene Wang & Wu, 1994 and C. selene (Emery, 1889). An identifi cation key to all known Nepalese species of Camponotus (Orthonotomyrmex) based on the worker caste is presented.

Purpose The ocular surface microbiota are recognised as one of causative microorganisms in post-procedural endophthalmitis but in many cases the vitreous tap is culture negative. This study investigated bacterial contamination of intravitreal (IVT) needles using multiple approaches covering culturing, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Methods IVT needles were obtained immediately after injection from patients undergoing treatment for predominantly age-related macular degeneration. Eighteen needles were analysed by culturing on chocolate blood agar. In addition, 40 needles were analysed by extracting DNA and paired-end sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. Sequences were quality filtered (USEARCH), taxonomically classified (SILVA) and contaminant filtered (DECONTAM). Nine needles were analysed by either FISH using the bacterial probe EUB338 or SEM. Results Using culturing, three bacteria were identified from 5 of 18 needles (28%) - Kocuria kristinae, Staphylococcus hominis and Sphingomonas paucimobilis. The negative control needles showed no growth. Following rigorous data filtering, bacterial community analysis using 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed the presence of predominantly Corynebacterium but also Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, Sphingomonas, Staphylococcus and Bacillus on the needles. Cocci-shaped cells in a tetrad formation were observed using FISH, while SEM images showed cocci-shaped bacteria in pairs and irregular tetrads. Conclusions The study showed evidence for a large diversity of bacteria on IVT needles and visually confirmed their adherence. The diversity was similar to that found on the ocular surface and in conjunctival tissue. This suggests the risk of exogenous endophthalmitis remains even with sterilization of the conjunctival surface.

Wild edible plants are those plants that are not domesticated and often neglected but have nutritional and medicinal value and can be used as a good source of diet. The study discusses and depicts the availability of wild edible plants, their taxonomical categories, species richness, distribution, preference, and their threat in the Gaumukhi area. Data were collected from 60 randomly selected wild edible plant consumers of Puja and Khung village using a semi-structured interview schedule. The study showed that 37 different species of wild plants are frequently used by respondents. It was found that the majority of the WEP’s used were trees followed by herbs and shrubs. It was found that majority of WEP's used were trees followed by herbs and shrubs. Regarding the plant parts used, most of the respondents (54%) use WEP’s in the form of vegetables followed by raw fruits (28%) users. The study revealed that the majority of WEP’s consumers (39%) were from other caste categories like Giri, Puri, Malla, etc. followed by Dalits (36%). Research indicated that most of the WEPs were collected from the forest area having an altitude of (1300-1500) masl. The major threat to wild edible plants was fuel wood collection followed by uncontrolled fire. Study preference of WEP’s among the respondents showed that Polystichumsquarrosum (Daude) was the highly preferred one followed by Diplaziumesculentum (Neuro) and Dendrocalamushamiltoni (Tama).

Direct damage due to insect pests is one of the major causes limiting the yield potential of blackgram (Vigna mungo L. Hepper) in Nepal. A total of 17 blackgram genotypes were screened for resistance to major insect pests, including aphid (Aphis craccivora Koch.), whitefly (Bemisia tabaci Genn.), hairy caterpillar (Spilosoma obliqua Walker) and pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera Hubner) in National Maize Research Program, Rampur, Chitwan during summer season of 2018 and 2019. The design of the experiment was randomized complete block having three replications. Genotypes were sown on first week of August in a unit plot size of 4 rows of 2 m long with 40 cm row to row spacing and continue plant to plant spacing was maintained and net harvested plot was 3.2 square meters. The recommended dose of fertilizer was 20:40:20 N:P2O5:K2O kg/ha and seed rate 25 kg/ha. The package of agronomic practices was followed as per national recommendation. Data on insects were collected by counting the number of insects per plant. The yield and yield components were recorded at harvest. All screened genotypes differed significantly (p

Shisham or sissoo (Dalbergia sissoo) is an important multipurpose tree with great economic importance, but this tree has been infected by various root pathogens. This review article shows the works conducted on root pathogens and die back disease of Shisham and their management. Around seventy-one endophytic fungus has been found in sissoo trees in Nepal. Several fungi, including, Fusarium solani, F. oxysporum, Ganoderma lucidum, Phellinus gilvus, Polypours gilvus, Rhizoctonia solani, Polyporus spongiosum, etc. cause sissoo diseases. Ganoderma Lucidum and F. Solani are two main pathogenic agents in Shisham, all of which causes root rot and vascular wilt diseases, and are the causes for the large-scale death of this tree species. Root rot ganoderma is wide spread in both natural and plant-based forests. Older trees in Shisham are usually attacked by these pathogens and cause large-scale death. However, when sissoo is grown as a re-forested pure plant without the removal of the stumps or root of the initial plant, a serious problem of root rot can develop. Field sanitation and proper management of field are necessary to control the fungal diseases of Shisham. Another deleterious disease of Shisham is dieback disease, where sissoo plantations have been confirmed to this disease when the infected trees begin to get dry from the top. There is no suitable solution for control of dieback of Shisham. There is a need of developing resistant varieties and to improve the quality of seed. This review may be useful tool for Forest Pathologists and other persons who are working in forestry and natural conservation sectors.

The inadequate source of resistance materials in maize against major biotic stresses is one of the main reasons for considerable loss of grain yield in Nepal. Post flowering stalk rot disease caused by Fusarium moniliforme is a serious disease that exposes high incidence at grain filling stage of maize in terai region of Nepal during summer season. This study was done to evaluate level of resistance, or tolerance in selected genotypes against the post flowering stalk rot disease of maize. Accordingly, thirty maize genotypes were tested for maize stalk rot resistance during summer season of 2016 and 2017 at National Maize Research Program, Rampur (NMRP), Chitwan. The experiment was done under natural epiphytotic condition at hot spot of the disease by using Randomized Complete Block design with 2 replications for each treatment. The package of practices was followed as per national recommendation. The summer season of 2016 and 2017 were affable for post flowering stalk rot of maize at NMRP, Rampur. Out of 30 genotypes, most of the tested entries showed susceptible reaction during both the years; however, RML-95/RML-96, Across-9942/Across-9944, ZM-401, Rampur 34, RamS03F08 and TLBRS07F16 showed resistant reaction against the disease and might be useful for the development of post flowering stalk rot resistant maize varieties for terai region of Nepal.

Plant Parasitic Nematodes are small worm like transparent, bilateral symmetry, pseudocoelomate, multicellular, free living or parasitic microorganism which are predatory, aquatic, terrestrial, entopathogenic, ectoparasite, endoparasite, semi-endoparasite or sedentary. They cause substantial problems to major crops throughout the world, including vegetables, fruits, and grain crops. The root knot and cyst nematodes are economically important pests in numerous crops. Crop damage from nematodes is not readily apparent in most cases, and it often remains hidden by the many other factors limiting plant growth. In the past, the control of the nematodes has been based on the synthetic nematicides, the number of which has been drastically restricted in the EU because of their environmental side effects and subsequent restriction in European Union (EU) rules and regulations. Many other methods like cultural control, biological control, use of biotechnological tools and methods, use of resistant cultivars are tested and proven successful in controlling different species of nematodes all over the world. Alternatively, combinations of the different methods are proven to be highly effective both economically and environmentally.

Late the blight of potato is a devastating and one of the economic diseases of potato and other plants belonging to family Solanaceae. Late blight, caused by Phytophthora infestans, is one of the most threatening pathogenic diseases which not only results in direct crop losses but also cause farmers to embrace huge monetary expenses for disease control and preventive measure. It was first reported during the Irish Potato Famine, leading to massive starvation in Ireland and other parts of Europe during the middle of 19th century. Phytopthora harms the foliar portion in the field and also the tuber in the storage that can result in complete crop failure in potato. The pathogen has distinct survival mechanisms and two life cycles infection processes. The development of a sexual spore known as oospore includes two types of pairs, A1 and A2. The spores are introduced to good plants by wind and rain. Different methods for prevention of crops from late blight has been developed and used worldwide. An integrated disease management strategy includes successful control of this disease. Cultural control, chemical management, and advanced disease management are the most effective interventions. Integration of late blight control in tropical regions with abundant fungal inoculants in most months of the year was also seen as one of the best choices in disease management. This paper reviews the significance of late blight of potato and controlling strategies adopted for minimizing yield losses incurred by this disease by the application of synthetic fungicides and different organic amendments.

Twelve rice genotypes were evaluated under irrigated lowland and upland rainfed conditions in a randomized complete block design with three replications at Khumaltar, Lalitpur, Nepal in 2019. Data on plant height, panicle length, effective tillers per plant, fertile grain number per panicle and grain yield were taken. The variation was observed for plant height, panicle length, effective tillers per plant, fertile grain number per panicle among the evaluated rice genotypes. The rice genotype NR 11375-B-B-21 produced the highest grain yield (3974.75 kg/ha) followed by NR 11374-B-B-23 (3615.26 kg/ha) and NR 11145-B-B-B-6 (3597.56 kg/ha) under irrigated low land condition. Similarly, the rice genotypes, NR 11375-B-B-21 produced the highest grain yield (3837.15 kg/ha) followed by NR 11321-B-B-7-3 (3588.71 kg/ha) and NR 11305-B-B-1-3 (3292.36 kg/ha) under upland rainfed condition. The combined analysis showed that rice genotype NR 11375-B-B-21 produced the highest grain yield (3905.95 kg/ha) followed by NR 11374-B-B-23 (3494.63 kg/ha), and NR 11321-B-B-7-3 (3409.89 kg/ha) respectively. Thus, after evaluation of yield, two genotypes namely NR 11375-B-B-21, NR 11374-B-B-23, were selected as outstanding genotypes, which can be used as potential breeding materials for upland and low land environments of mid hills of Nepal.

The paper aims to determine the effect of jackfruit seed flour incorporation on the quality of cookies. D-optimal mixture design has been employed for formulating the recipe of cookies. Five different formulations of cookies containing 0, 12.5, 25, 37.5, and 50 parts jackfruit seed flour were prepared. The prepared cookies are subjected to sensory evaluation by ten semitrained panelists for consumer acceptability. The obtained data have been statistically analyzed using two-way ANOVA (no blocking) at 5% level of significance. From the mean sensory scores, 12.5 parts jackfruit seed flour incorporation was selected as the best formulation and subjected to proximate analysis. The protein, fat, fiber and ash contents are significantly (p

The Declaration of COVID 19 as a pandemic became a turning point that shifted the paradigm of human civilization and education system. This paper aims to explore the behavioral aspects of school-level children and the situation of online education after the COVID 19 pandemic in Nepal. The study used an exploratory research design to achieve purposes. The parents having school-level children are the population for this study. And purposive sampling technique is used to collect primary data through an online system by sharing the link of the questionnaire form to parents living in urban areas, and fifty responses collected during a month. Descriptive statistical tools used for analysis purposes. The closure of schools has increased the use of mobiles phone in children. Children spent very little time in house undertakings, indooroutdoor games, singing and dancing, and playing with family members. They have observed changes in their usual behavior, parents are feeling difficulties to handle their children in a house settings. Online education is a new use for Nepalese society and school-level education. The participation of children in online education and the effectiveness is at a satisfactory level. However, electricity, accessory devices, internet facility, the interest of children, and lack of monitoring of children’s education have become the major problems. The study finding suggests that parents should take care of children’s education and prevent them from the unwanted effects of using the mobile phone and other undesirable behavioral changes due to the closures of schools.

Objectives: The main objective of this study was to detect antimicrobial drug resistance (AMR) and Extended Spectrum Betalactamase (ESBL) production phenotypically in E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolated from urines with significant bacteriuria. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in Microbiology laboratory of Kathmandu College of Science and Technology, Kamalpokhari. The urine samples from suspected urinary tract infected cases were collected from both genders of children below 15 years of age from Out and In-patient department of International Children Friendship Hospital, Maharajgunj and those with significant bacteriuria were cultured for isolating the bacterial etiology targeted as E. coli and K. pneumoniae. AMR for these two bacteria were tested and detected using Kirby Bauer Disc Diffusion technique. ESBL production was confirmed by Double Disc Synergy test (DDST) and Phenotypic Confirmatory Disc Diffusion Test (PCDDT) after screening for all the isolates showing resistance to third generation cephalosporin namely Cefotaxime and Ceftriaxone according to CLSI instructions. Results: Out of 388 urine samples processed, 29.89% (116/388) showed significant bacterial growth. Five (5) different Aerobic Gram Negative bacterial species were detected and identified. E. coli topped the list (70.68%) followed by K. pneumoniae (15.52%), K. oxytoca (8.62%), Proteus vulgaris (3.45%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1.73%). Among positively screened (44.82%) beta lactamase producers (36.2%) of total isolates were confirmed to produce ESBL. Among ESBL producing isolates, highest susceptibility was seen to Ceftazidime (23.80%) followed by Cefotaxime (16.67%). The ESBL producing isolates were least susceptible to Ceftriaxone (2.38%). AMR was detected using Kirby- Bauer Disc diffusion technique. Comparatively less resistance to amikacin and nitrofurantoin (19.1% and 9.53% respectively) was seen among ESBL producers. 40 out of the 42 (95.23%) ESBL producing strains showed susceptibility to the combination drug, piperacillin/tazobactam. The resistance to meropenem was observed to be less (9.53%) as compared to that to imepenem (7.15%). Conclusion: This study concluded that there is high prevalence of multidrug resistant uropathogenic clinical strains of E. coli and K. pneumoniae with higher rates of ESBL production. A resistance to the carbepenems is also emerging. Appropriate antimicrobial regimen selection for empirical therapy is thus important for such cases. On managing the empirical antibiotics practice, one can reduce the risk of ESBL producers. There is an essence need of regular routine practice of ESBL detection.

The location of Nepal in the Central Himalaya promotes high habitat and species diversity. Ant diversity is likely high, but there have been few studies of the diversity and distribution of ants in Nepal. Here we present an updated checklist list of Nepalese ants that includes 128 named species in 48 genera and eight subfamilies. Among these species, 21 species have a type locality from Nepal, nine species are endemic to Nepal, and three are introduced species. We add six new ant records for Nepal, namelyHarpegnathos venator,Monomorium pharaonis,Nylanderia bourbonica,Odontoponera denticulata,Polyrhachis tyrannicaandPseudoneoponera bispinosa. The checklist presents distribution records for Nepalese ant species and provides comparisons with the neighboring countries of China and India.

Barley diseases are the major yield limiting factors for barley cultivation in Nepal. Stripe/Yellow rust (P. striformis f.sp. hordei and P. striformis f.sp. tritici), leaf rust (Puccinia hordei), and crown rust (P. coronata) are the major rust diseases in Nepal. Pyramiding resistance genes against all these rust diseases are possible through molecular marker assisted breeding. Sweden originated barley variety ‘Bonus’ is found resistant to stripe rust and having linked microsatellite markers for stripe rust and crown rust resistance. Similarly, Nepalese hull-less barley variety ‘Solu Uwa’ and Nepalese awn-less barley landrace NPGR Acc# 2478 have linked microsatellite markers for leaf rust resistance. Therefore, one polymorphic sequence tagged sites (STS) marker (ABG054) for stripe rust resistance, two polymorphic simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers (Bmac0144h and HVM049) for leaf rust and one polymorphic SSR marker (Bmag0006) for crown rust resistance were used to select the advanced barley lines (at F8 stage) from above parents. Field screening of stripe rust resistance was also conducted. Among 51 advanced and field disease resistance lines from Bonus/Solu Uwa cross, we have selected 10 pyramided lines for all three types of barley rust resistance. Similarly, among 39 advanced and field disease resistance lines from Bonus/NPGR Acc#2478 cross we have selected three pyramided lines and advanced for further yield testing for general cultivation purpose. The chances of losing the desired gene are high in late generation selection using molecular marker assisted selection (MAS); but the chances of getting agronomically superior varietal output will also increase.

available with the full text.

Introduction Although ultratrail races are increasing in popularity, there is a dearth of data regarding illnesses and medical care at these events. Data about injuries and illnesses for races taking place in the Himalayas, where the nearest medical facility can be hundreds of miles away, are even harder to find. This study aimed to describe the injuries and illnesses befalling the participants of a 7-stage 212 km (132 mi) trail race at high altitude. Methods Ethical approval was obtained from Nepal Research Health Council. A retrospective study of the record of medical encounters among the 100 participants competing in the Manaslu trail race in Nepal from 2014 to 2016 was performed. Diagnoses were classified into various categories. Informed consent was taken from all participants. Results Acute diarrhea was the most common ailment reported among the participants (18%), followed closely by musculoskeletal problems (17%). Altitude illness made up 6% of care provided. Approximately 35% of the athletes were using acetazolamide as prophylaxis for high altitude illnesses. The 1 case needing evacuation in the 3 iterations was high altitude pulmonary edema. Conclusions Ultratrail races at high altitude pose a challenge in terms of provision of medical care in a remote setting with limited resources. However, most of the illnesses are minor in nature and easily managed by the race doctor. Knowledge of common illnesses among travelers to the area can help aid in preparation and provision of proper care, especially in remote settings with limited resources.

A new megastigmane-type norsesquiterpenoid glycoside, chaemeloside (1), was isolated from the twigs of Chaenomeles sinensis together with 11 known phytochemicals through chromatographic methods. The chemical structure of the new isolate 1 was determined by conventional 1D and 2D NMR data analysis, ECD experiment, hydrolysis followed by a modified Mosher’s method, and LC–MS analysis. The characterized compounds’ biological effects including cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines, antineuroinflammatory activity, and potential neurotrophic effect were evaluated.

The characterization of cytochrome P450 CYP125A13 from Streptomyces peucetius was conducted using cholesterol as the sole substrate. The in vitro enzymatic assay utilizing putidaredoxin and putidaredoxin reductase from Pseudomonas putida revealed that CYP125A13 bound cholesterol and hydroxylated it. The calculated KD value, catalytic conversion rates, and Km value were 56.92 ± 11.28 μM, 1.95 nmol min-1 nmol-1, and 11.3 ± 2.8 μM, respectively. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis showed that carbon 27 of the cholesterol side-chain was hydroxylated, characterizing CYP125A13 as steroid C27-hydroxylase. The homology modeling and docking results also revealed the binding of cholesterol to the active site, facilitated by the hydrophobic amino acids and position of the C27-methyl group near heme. This orientation was favorable for the hydroxylation of the C27-methyl group, supporting the in vitro analysis. This was the first reported case of the hydroxylation of cholesterol at the C-27 position by Streptomyces P450. This study also established the catalytic function of CYP125A13 and provides a solid basis for further studies related to the catabolic potential of Streptomyces species.

The research was carried out in the entomology laboratory of Agriculture and Forestry University, Rampur, Chitwan from March to June 2015. The experiment consisted of nine treatments and replicated thrice and laid out in Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The effects of nine treatments (Neem oil @ 3ml/kg, Clove oil@ 2ml/kg, Citronella oil @ 2.5ml/kg, Mentha oil@ 2ml/kg, Eucalyptus oil@3ml/kg, commercial Bojho oil@1ml/kg, French basil oil@2ml/kg, Malathion@ 1gm/kg, and Control) were evaluated against pulse beetle using ½ kg metal bins as the experimental unit. Among the treatments, the mortality of adult bruchids was significantly higher in chickpea seed treats with Citronell oil (27.67) followed by Malathion dust (27.33), Mentha oil (26.67) and Eucalyptus oil (24.33). Egg counts on 15 DAT, 45 DAT and 75 DAT were also recorded lowest in chickpea seed treated with Citronella oil (4.00, 5.00, 4.33) in all the dates of data recording followed by Mentha oil (4.33, 6.66, 6.00) and Eucalyptus oil (9.66, 13.00, 12.33), respectively. Interestingly, Malathion dust found effective for causing adult mortality (27.33) has reduced effect on next generation adult emergence 81.00 and 108.70 at 45 DAT and 75 DAT. Clove oil and Neem oil were also less effective with maximum egg counts and adult emergence. Thus, among all the oils used Citronella oil, Mentha oil and oils were found to be most promising in protecting grain damage by bruchids and maintaining optimum seed quality up to the 3 months of storage.

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.