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ABSTRACT Polyphosphate (polyP) accumulation is an important trait of microorganisms. Implication of polyP accumulating bacteria (PAB) in enhanced biological phosphate removal, heavy metal sequestration, and dissolution of dental enamel is well studied. Phosphorous (P) accumulated within microbial biomass also regulates labile P in soil; however, abundance and diversity of the PAB in soil is still unexplored. Present study investigated the genetic and functional diversity of PAB in rhizosphere soil. Here, we report the abundance of Pseudomonas spp. as high PAB in soil, suggesting their contribution to global P cycling. Additional subset analysis of functional genes i.e., polyphosphate kinase (ppk) and exopolyphosphatase (ppx) in all PAB, indicates their significance in bacterial growth and metabolism. Distribution of functional genes in phylogenetic tree represent a more biologically realistic discrimination for the two genes. Distribution of ppx gene disclosed its phylogenetic conservation at species level, however, clustering of ppk gene of similar species in different clades illustrated its environmental condition mediated modifications. Selected PAB showed tolerance to abiotic stress and strong correlation with plant growth promotary (PGP) traits viz. phosphate solubilization, auxin and siderophore production. Interaction of PAB with A. thaliana enhanced the growth and phosphate status of the plant under salinity stress, suggestive of their importance in P cycling and stress alleviation. IMPORTANCE Study discovered the abundance of Pseudomonas genera as a high phosphate accumulator in soil. The presence of functional genes (polyphosphate kinase [ppk] and exopolyphosphatase [ppx]) in all PAB depicts their importance in polyphosphate metabolism in bacteria. Genetic and functional diversity reveals conservation of the ppx gene at species level. Furthermore, we found a positive correlation between PAB and plant growth promotary traits, stress tolerance, and salinity stress alleviation in A. thaliana.

Introduction COVID-19 is an emerging infectious disease with a high transmission rate and substantial deaths. Various vaccines have been developed to combat it. This study is aimed to assess COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and hesitancy among the Nepalese population through a web-based survey. Materials and methods This is a web-based cross-sectional descriptive study of Nepalese people 18 years and above from different regions of Nepal who use social media (Facebook, Twitter, Reddit) as well as instant messaging applications (Messenger, Viber, WhatsApp). The duration of the study was 3 months from 1st June 2021 to 31st August 2021. The sampling technique used was self-selected non-probability sampling. A validated questionnaire had been taken to record the data. Results A total of 307 participants were included in the study. About three-fourths of participants 231 (75.2%) had not been vaccinated while 76 (24.8%) had been vaccinated with COVID -19 vaccine. Out of 231 non-vaccinated participants, most of participants 213 (92.2%) had shown acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine. More than two-thirds of participants believed that the vaccine would protect them, their family members, and the community from having COVID-19 in the future. Very few participants 18 (7.2%) were hesitant to receive the vaccine against COVID-19. About two-thirds of participants were being afraid of adverse effects of the COVID-19 vaccine while more than half of participants hesitated due to lack of enough information regarding COVID-19 vaccine. Conclusion This study can aid in the planning of vaccination campaigns and the direction of future public health efforts aimed at increasing COVID-19 vaccine uptake.

Nepal being a part of Hindu Kush Himalayan Region is one of the largest concentration of glaciers. The loss of ice on that region reflects the climate change resulting devastating consequences on billions of people living downstream. This is why regular monitoring of the glaciers on that region is important not only to have insight into the glacier change but also to mitigate the effect of it. The satellite image as an alternate to ground based approach provides much more flexibility for monitoring in a regular basis. Therefore, this research aimed to map the decadal changes in glacier extent followed by estimating volume of ice loss of Rikha Samba Glacier located in Mustang district of Nepal. Multitemporal Landsat satellite images dating back from 1995 to 2015 were utilized in the study. The current research involved the calculation of snow index like NDSI on the radiometrically corrected satellite imageries. An open source GIS software package was used to automatically delineate the boundary of glacier based on the NDSI. It has been revealed that the glacier area shrunk by 2.608 km2 on an average over the period. The ice velocity of the glacier was estimated. Laminar flow approach (Cuffey and Paterson, 2010) was utilized to find the ice thickness of glacier based on the evaluated velocity information. The utilization of thus computed ice thickness gave the volume of ice loss during the study period (i.e. 310000 m3). In addition, 0.69 km glacier retreat was observed over the period.

Majority of power generation plants in India depends on non-renewable resource as a fuel due to low cost and ready availability. Usage of non-renewable resources for power generation on the other hand is expensive and less reliable. If focus is on a single source of renewable energy then the statement stands true. Studies however, shows if two or more renewable energies are used together in hybrid mode, system becomes efficient. Present study focuses on a geothermal power plant located in India, which was experiencing reduction in power generation. The plant employs Organic Rankine Cycle. In order to increase power output and to make system efficient, an interesting match was noticed between solar thermal and geothermal. The two energy producing techniques differ in heat collecting but share the same power island structure. Various solar thermal collectors were analyzed for the retrofit. The best match in evacuated tubes was found for the system. The collectors were retrofitted, used in a hybrid mode and with the utilization of ORC, electricity generation was analyzed. The annualized electricity generation was estimated using the seasonal parametric investigations. The present study discusses about the electricity generation from the hybrid solar geothermal setup of capacity up to 35 kW.

The innate immune system senses cytosolic dsDNA and bacterial cyclic dinucleotides and initiates signaling via the adaptor STING to induce type 1 interferon (IFN) response. We demonstrate here that BTK-deficient cells have impaired IFN-β production and TBK1/IRF3 activation when stimulated with agonists or infected with pathogens that activate STING signaling. BTK interacts with STING and DDX41 helicase. The kinase and SH3/SH2 interaction domains of BTK bind, respectively, the DEAD-box domain of DDX41 and transmembrane region of STING. BTK phosphorylates DDX41, and its kinase activities are critical for STING-mediated IFN-β production. We show that Tyr364 and Tyr414 of DDX41 are critical for its recognition of AT-rich DNA and binding to STING, and tandem mass spectrometry identifies Tyr414 as the BTK phosphorylation site. Modeling studies further indicate that phospho-Tyr414 strengthens DDX41's interaction with STING. Hence, BTK plays a critical role in the activation of DDX41 helicase and STING signaling.

Nodular fasciitis, is a benign, pseudo sarcomatous proliferative lesion of the soft tissue, which is frequently misinterpreted as sarcoma, both clinically and microscopically. It is a reactive lesion composed of fibroblasts/myofibroblasts and most commonly found in extremities and trunk. NF has been described in the head and neck region in 10-20% of cases. Many pathologists do not consider NF in the differential diagnosis of soft tissue masses arising in the Head neck region. NF that occurs in otherwise healthy individuals usually presents with a history of rapid growth, and is commonly found in the upper extremities and on the chest and trunk. The importance of otolaryngologists being aware of the existence of this entity in this area of the body is stressed. It has a confirmed perfectly benign clinical course, and simple excision, as tissue-sparing as possible, is the treatment of choice. A case of NF over the neck in a 05-year-old female not associated with trauma who presented with a localized mass over her left neck is presented.

Aggressive fibromatosis (AF) is a locally aggressive infiltrative low-grade benign tumor that accounts for approximately less than 3% of all soft tissue tumors. In the head and neck region this tumor tends to be more aggressive and associated with significant morbidity. Aggressive surgery is a viable management option and may be successfully used as a single modality treatment, or in combination with radiotherapy. We report a rare case of AF in a 38 year old female, who presented with a painless mass over the left supraclavicular fossa, extending inferiorly into the thoracic inlet, which was excised successfully in toto with the help of cardiothoracic vascular surgeon (CTVS).

Introduction: Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SNHL) is medical emergency in otology. The diagnosis and treatment of sudden SNHL remains a matter of discussion as no single treatment is gold standard. Antivirals, systemic and intratympanic steroids, vasodilators, antioxidants and hyperbaric oxygen therapy are a few treatment options for sudden SNHL. Aim: To assess role of transtympanic steroid in sudden SNHL cases in view of frequency specific gain and average hearing gain. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in Otorhinolaryngology Department of a tertiary teaching hospital, in which records of total 27 patients with diagnosis of sudden SNHL from 1st January 2019 to 31st December 2020 were analysed. All enrolled patient underwent pure tone audiometry before treatment, after 3rd transtympanic injection and On 7th day follow-up. post follow-up. All patient received three transtympanic 0.5 mL methyl prednisolone injection on day 1, day 3 and day 5 of treatment. Pretreatment and post-treatment frequency specific hearing threshold and frequency specific hearing gain along with average hearing gain were assessed. Statistical analysis was done using student paired t-test independent t-test and one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test. Results: Total 35 case ears were analysed among 27 patients as 8 patients had bilateral sudden SNHL. Average gain for frequency 250 Hz, 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz and 4000 Hz were 18 dB, 25 dB, 27 dB, 28 dB and 30 dB, respectively. There was average 42% audiometric gain in hearing after transtympanic steroid injection. Cases who received treatment within four days had average gain of 48.5% while those who came after four days had average hearing gain of 39%. Hearing gain in 40 years was 44.3% and 41.8% respectively. Hearing gain in bilateral ear was 42.9% and in unilateral ear was 43.5%. Conclusion: Sudden SNHL has high emotional and social impact on patient and family as it has influence on life quality. Transtympanic steroid injection promises good outcome in all patients with sudden SNHL. However, early diagnosis and early management of sudden SNHL is the key in significant success.

Poultry farming plays a key role in agricultural air emissions. Particulate matter (PM) level tends to be high in broiler and cage-free layer houses, that may impair health and welfare of animals and their caretakers. To protect public health and welfare, the occupational exposure limit for PM10 and PM2.5 (i.e., PM diameters that are generally ≤10 and 2.5 μm, respectively) are suggested not to exceed 150 µg m−3 and 35 µg m−3, respectively, based on 24-h concentrations thresholds as suggested by US. EPA. However, the levels of PM10 and PM2.5 in poultry houses could be 100 times higher than that limit. For instance, PM10 and PM2.5 levels in cage-free henhouses are higher than 15,000 µg/m3 and 3500 µg/m3 in wintertime. Therefore, it is critical to identify the primary factors affecting PM generation in poultry houses and apply corresponding mitigation strategies. This review paper summarizes PM emission factors, mitigating strategies, and impacts on birds’ and caretakers’ health, and welfare. Generally, PM emissions are affected by various factors, including housing types, seasonal and diurnal variation, manure management, bedding materials, ventilation rates, and birds’ activities. High PM concentrations in poultry houses impair birds’ and caretakers’ liver, kidneys, and respiratory systems. Thus, different mitigating strategies are discussed in this study for addressing those issues. Effective mitigation strategies include frequent house cleaning, optimum light intensity, liquid spraying, bedding management, and air filtration systems. However, mitigation strategies can be cost-prohibitive and have side effects. Therefore, poultry farms should select mitigation strategies based on farm location, climate conditions, environmental policies, and available resources (government assistance programs).

Adenoid cystic carcinoma is extremely rare tumour that accounts for approximately 5% of primary malignancy of external auditory canal. These tumours are related with a high risk of recurrences and significant morbidities from surgical management and adjuvant radiotherapy. Despite the aggressive management for these tumours, many patients succumb to distant metastasis, making overall prognosis of these tumours poor. Although ACC of EAC has been reported in 5th decade, but its occurrence in young patient is very rare. We report a rare case of ACC in a young 22 years old female, who presented with ear canal mass and ear pain. Biopsy suggested mass to be ACC. Patient underwent wide local excision followed by adjuvant radiotherapy.

Craniopharyngiomas are slow growing tumours arising from remnants of the craniopharyngeal duct and occupy the sellar region. The patients may remain asymptomatic for long duration or present with headache or visual disturbances. Surgery is the mainstay of the treatment. Traditionally these tumours have been removed by neurosurgeons through the cranial approach but the advent of nasal endoscopes has opened new avenues for ENT surgeons to treat such patients. We hereby present a case of craniopharyngioma who was successfully treated by Trans-nasal Hypophysectomy.

Malignant melanoma is one of the rare and highly aggressive diseases of the sinonasal cavity. High index of suspicion is required for diagnosis as the patient usually presents with non specific signs and symptoms. In the natural course of the disease, higher rate of loco regional recurrences and distant metastasis are seen making the overall prognosis of disease very poor. In reviewing the various treatment modalities used in the past, surgical resection of the tumour with postoperative radiotherapy is preferred one. Advances in surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy don’t have any impact on improved survival, which remains poor in this disease. We report two cases of malignant melanoma, which were treated at our institute.

Primary non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas (NHL) of the sinonasal tract are rather uncommon entities. Morphologically and radiographically, sinonasal lymphomas are difficult to distinguish from other malignant neoplasms or non- neoplastic processes. They have a variable presentation from fulminant destructive manifestations to chronic indolent type of disease and may mimic as carcinomas and invasive fungal infection respectively. We report a case of primary NHL involving sinonasal tract in elderly female, which was clinically and radiologically mimicking as sinonasal malignany and was proven as NHL on histological examination and confirmed by immunohistochemistry. A high index of suspicion, appropriate histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry is necessary to differentiate sinonasal lymphomas from other possibilities. Failure to do so may miss the diagnosis and delay appropriate treatment

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is a lifesaving procedure for managing severe TBI. This study aims to investigate the predictive value of pre-operative neurological status, radiological findings, and post-operative neurological changes on functional outcomes at discharge. Methods: An observational, prospective cohort study was conducted on 174 TBI patients undergoing DC at a tertiary care center. Patients were categorized into early and late DC groups. Data on pre-operative anisocoria, CT findings (side of injury, midline shift, mass effect), post-operative anisocoria, and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores were collected. The Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended (GOSE) assessed functional outcomes at discharge. Results: Pre-operative anisocoria was significantly associated with outcomes, being absent in 95.40% of the late DC group compared to 27.59% in the early DC group (p<.0001). CT findings indicated a significant relation between the side of injury and surgical outcomes (p<.0001). Post-operative anisocoria persisted significantly in the early group across all days (p<.0001). Improvement in GCS scores at discharge was more pronounced in the early DC group (mean improvement 2.83 ± 3.54) than in the late group (1.45 ± 4.13, p=0.043). The right side of injury was significantly associated with favorable GOSE outcomes in the early decompression group (p=0.033). Conclusion: Pre-operative anisocoria, specific CT findings, and early improvements in GCS scores are significant predictors of functional outcomes at discharge in TBI patients undergoing DC. These findings advocate for a nuanced approach to patient selection and timing for DC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess the profitability and resource use efficiency of maize seed production in the Rolpa district of Nepal. Primary data were collected from a sample of 67 maize growing farmers involved in maize seed production, selected randomly from the sampling frame with a confidence level of 95% and a margin of error of 5%, using Raosoft. Additionally, secondary information was obtained through a review of relevant literature. Descriptive statistics and the Cobb-Douglas production function were employed for data analysis. The results indicated that maize seed production in the study area was profitable, evidenced by a gross margin of 17,160.6 NRs/ha and a benefit-cost ratio of 1.12. The productivity level was estimated at 15.46 quintal/ha. Moreover, the return to scale of maize seed production was calculated to be 0.79, suggesting a decreasing return to scale. The analysis of allocative efficiency indices highlighted the need for optimizing resource allocation. Specifically, increasing costs on seed, chemical fertilizers, and management by 94.03%, 99.30%, and 60.25% respectively would lead to optimal resource allocation. Conversely, costs related to human labor, farmyard manure (FYM), and tillage should be reduced. This research contributes to a better understanding of the profitability and resource utilization in maize seed production in the Rolpa district of Nepal. The findings provide valuable insights for farmers and policymakers to make informed decisions regarding resource allocation and enhance the overall efficiency and sustainability of maize seed production in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the expanding utility base of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), there comes a strong need for dedicated research towards effective control strategies for these aircraft. This paper presents a feedback control scheme for the trajectory tracking and flight control problem for quadrotor-type UAVs. In particular, a robust fractional-order sliding mode control (FOSMC) scheme based on a state observer approach, consisting of position tracking and an attitude control strategy, is proposed. The basic idea behind choosing the state observer technique is to prevent the chattering phenomenon in this highly non-linear and under-actuated dynamic structure, and preserve the robustness and finite time reachability properties of Sliding Mode controllers. The stability of the proposed control law is proved using Lyapunov's theorem. Furthermore, a detailed performance analysis of the proposed method is presented in comparison to the existing control algorithms from the recent literature. The obtained results are found promising. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]