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Jamal Giri,1 Basanta Kumar Shrestha,2 Rajiv Yadav,2 Tika Ram Ghimire21Department of Orthodontics, BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, 2Department of Dentistry, Institute of Medicine, Kathmandu, Nepal Background: Assessment of growth status of a patient is a key component in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning for growing patients with skeletal discrepancy. Skeletal maturation based on hand-wrist radiograph and cervical vertebral maturation (CVM) are commonly used methods of growth assessment. Studies have shown that stages of dental calcification can also be used to assess skeletal maturation status of an individual, whereas other studies have suggested that the relationship between dental calcification and skeletal maturation should be interpreted with caution owing to racial variation. Objective: To evaluate the relationship between permanent mandibular second molar calcification stages and skeletal maturity assessed by CVM among a group of Nepalese orthodontic patients. Materials and methods: One hundred and sixty-eight digital radiographs (84 orthopantomograms and 84 lateral cephalograms) were obtained from the records of 84 patients who sought orthodontic treatment in Orthodontic and Dentofacial Orthopaedic Unit, Department of Dentistry, Institute of Medicine, Kathmandu. Two parameters were used in this study, namely, CVM stages from lateral cephalogram and Demirjian index (DI) stages from orthopantomogram. The evaluation of digital radiographs was carried out on a computer screen with a resolution of 1,280×800 pixels. The association between DI stages of permanent mandibular second molar and CVM stages was assessed. Results: A statistically significant association was found between DI and CVM stages for both male and female subjects with Pearson's contingency coefficient value of 0.751 and 0.766 for male and female subjects, respectively. Conclusion: Skeletal maturation can be reliably assessed with dental calcification stages of permanent mandibular second molar for Nepalese orthodontic patients. Keywords: cervical vertebral maturation, Demirjian index, lateral cephalogram, orthopantomogram

Background: Globally, gastrointestinal (GI) infections are common, particularly in populations with low socioeconomic levels, including high illiteracy rates, ignorance, poor housing and lifestyles, and unfavorable environmental conditions. These risk factors are the underlying cause of GI parasitic infections in many developing nations, including Nepal., Aim: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and diversity of GI parasites and their association with a few risk factors within the marginalized indigenous Tharu people of the southern region of Nepal., Methods: A purposive sampling method was used to collect stool samples from Tharu indigenous people ( N  = 179) in Thaskaul, Kolhabi, Bara, Nepal. The samples were preserved in a 2.5% potassium dichromate solution. The samples were analyzed by direct wet mount and acid-fast staining techniques and examined at 40×, 100×, 400×, and 1000× magnifications., Results: Out of 179 stool samples, the prevalence rate of the GI parasites was 42.46% ( n  = 76), out of which females (43.00%, 43/100) had a slightly higher prevalence rate than males (41.77%, 33/79) ( p  > 0.05, chi-square tests at 95% confidence level). Out of nine species of GI parasites, the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. was highest among protozoa (30.17%, n  = 54), whereas that of Ascaris lumbricoides was highest among helminths (5.59%, n  = 10). Occupation, animal husbandry, parasitologic knowledge, drinking water sources, pork-feeding habit, diarrheal or stomachache symptoms, and drug-consuming history were associated with one or more GI parasitosis ( p  < 0.05)., Conclusion: The moderate prevalence and diversity of GI parasitism in the Tharu population suggests the need for effective, efficient, and timely preventative and control measures in the study area. Further One Health Approach, by conducting studies that involve the examination of samples from the local populations, livestock, food, water, and soil, would be important., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (© 2025 The Author(s). Health Science Reports published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Mosquitoes are a significant public health concern due to their role in transmitting various diseases. This study aimed to investigate mosquitoes' diversity, abundance, and ecological aspects, mainly focusing on Aedes (Diptera: Culicidae) mosquitoes, in central Nepal. The research explored variations across regions, seasons, altitudes, and years. Fieldwork for mosquito collection was conducted between May 2022 and October 2023. Dipping and pipetting methods were employed to collect larvae and pupae, whereas Biogents-Mosquitaire trap captured adult mosquitoes. A total of 7,223 (3,640 larvae and 3,583 adults) mosquitoes, belonging to 8 genera and 18 species, were collected and analyzed. Additionally, a survey examined 5,941 wet containers of 20 different types to assess potential breeding sites. The study revealed Culex pipiens (Linnaeus, 1758) (34.13%) and Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1895) (27.36%) as the most abundant species. Interestingly, larvae were predominantly Aedes spp. (66.13%), whereas only 13.76% of adults belonged to this genus. Mosquito abundance varied across locations and altitudes, with Siwalik region (331-700 m asl) exhibiting the highest numbers. The monsoon season showed the highest overall abundance (1,492). Used tires were identified as significant breeding sites for Aedes mosquitoes, and infestation rates were higher in shaded containers. Seasonal analysis showed the House Index (HI) reaching its peak (10.92%) and the Breteau Index (BI) reaching 23.08% during the monsoon. Conversely, the Container Index (CI) reached its highest point (37.67%) in the post-monsoon season. The results emphasize the need for comprehensive disease prevention strategies at local and national levels, including public awareness campaigns, to address mosquito-borne illnesses in this famous tourist region., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America. All rights reserved. For commercial re-use, please contact reprints@oup.com for reprints and translation rights for reprints. All other permissions can be obtained through our RightsLink service via the Permissions link on the article page on our site—for further information please contact journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Introduction: Increasing urbanization has particularly affected rivers and their outer edges in cities, including Kathmandu Valley, which encompasses Lalitpur, the nation's third-largest city. This study aims to conduct a parasitological survey to investigate the occurrence of zoonotic intestinal protozoa and helminths along the Karmanasa River bank in central Nepal., Methods: Faecal samples from openly defaecating animals were collected via non-invasive techniques, and coproscopy was carried out using direct wet mount, concentration and acid-fast staining methods to ensure reliable findings., Results: The findings showed that all the faecal samples were positive for intestinal parasites as follows: buffaloes (15/15), cats (5/5), cattle (30/30), chickens (7/7), dogs (15/15), goats (15/15), pigs (20/20) and rats (12/12). A total of 28 intestinal parasites were reported, out of which 21 species possess zoonotic potentialities, and each host was reported to harbour at least one zoonotic parasite. Entamoeba sp., Cryptosporidium sp., hookworm, Trichuris sp., Trichostrongylus and Balantidium coli were among the predominant zoonotic parasites. The use of the landscape for livestock grazing and the presence of free-ranging animals could have all added to the zoonotic risks. Moreover, the excretion of a moderate to large number of zoonotic parasite eggs in the faecal samples indicates a transmission risk., Conclusions: The study detected 21 species of intestinal zoonotic parasites circulating along the landscape in the study area, indicating a higher risk of cross-transmission. Therefore, strategic treatment of livestock and free-ranging animals and periodic public health awareness programs for the local inhabitants are highly recommended., (© 2024 The Author(s). Veterinary Medicine and Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: Patients with high dental anxiety are found to visit dental offices less frequently and have a higher number of severely diseased teeth so they are at a greater need for intensive oral care and rehabilitation., Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of dental anxiety and its impact on the dental status of Nepali adult patients., Material and Methods: A semi-structured questionnaire of the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) in the Nepali version was used for data collection. The data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS IBM, Chicago, IL, USA, version 24). Variables were calculated as frequency and percentage, while the comparisons of different factors were done using the ANOVA and t-test. A difference with p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant., Results: The study population consisted of 446 subjects, among them 205 were male (45.96%), 241 were female (54.04%), 357 (80.04%) were married, and 222 (49.78%) were employed. The mean age of the patients was 41.24 years (ranging between 18 and 79 years). Only 41 subjects (9.19%) showed high dental anxiety (MDAS ≥ 19). The mean MDAS for the total study population was 10.81. The highest mean MDAS was seen in the age group 30-39 (11.78) and the lowest mean MDAS was seen in the age group 40-49 (9.64). While comparing dental anxiety among genders, dental anxiety was higher in females (mean MDAS = 11.78) compared to males (mean MDAS = 9.67). Patients having high dental anxiety had a significantly higher number of decayed teeth (p-value = 0.001, t-test)., Conclusion: Oral health and dental status both are negatively affected by dental anxiety. It interferes with dental attendance, service delivery, prevention of dental diseases, and early diagnosis. Thus, dental practitioners have a major role to play in the management of dental anxiety., (© 2024 The Author(s). Clinical and Experimental Dental Research published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Backgrounds Objectives: Dengue fever, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, is a significant public health concern in Nepal. An extensive Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) survey related to Aedes mosquitoes and prevention of dengue was conducted along the route from Matihani (62 m above sea level) to Kalinchok (3840 m asl) in central Nepal. This research examined residents' awareness of Aedes mosquitoes and the diseases they transmit, aiming to support the World Health Organization's national and global fight against mosquito-borne diseases., Methods: The survey included 550 participants aged 18-75 years (249 males and 201 females). Door-to-door campaigns were conducted to gather data on knowledge scores, practices, and attitudes about Aedes mosquitoes using a standard structured questionnaire., Results: Findings of this study revealed a moderate level of knowledge across the study area, with a mean knowledge score of 5.525±2.58 (correct answer rate of 46.05%). While 99.6% of respondents were aware of dengue transmission by mosquitoes, only 64.5% were able to report Aedes mosquitoes as the key transmitter. Less than one-third of the participants (27.8%) were familiar with black-and-white stripes in Aedes. Additionally, only 36.7% were knowledgeable about the day-biting behavior of Aedes mosquitoes., Interpretation Conclusion: This KAP survey provides valuable insights into community understanding of Aedes mosquitoes and dengue prevention practices associated with various Nepalese communities residing in low to high altitudes of central Nepal. These findings can be adopted to address the increasing health burden faced by countries with low-to-high altitude regions within the Hindu Kush Himalayas., (Copyright © 2024 Copyright: © 2024 Journal of Vector Borne Diseases.)

This review summarizes the predatory potential of Toxorhynchites mosquitoes as biological control agents for Aedes vectors. A single larva can consume hundreds of mosquito larvae during its development, with preference for larger prey and higher consumption rates at higher prey densities. Studies suggest Toxorhynchites can significantly reduce Aedes populations. Beyond direct predation, they may indirectly influence prey behavior and adult mosquito lifespan. Despite the demonstrably positive effects of Toxorhynchites species as biocontrol agents, there are acknowledged limitations that require further investigation. These limitations include potential variations in effectiveness across diverse habitats and mosquito developmental stages. Additionally, long-term ecological sustainability and potential ramifications warrant further research. Future efforts should prioritize optimizing rearing and release strategies to enhance effectiveness. Exploring the potential for combined control methods with other biocontrol agents or traditional methods is also crucial. Finally, investigating the influence of environmental factors on predation rates can further refine and optimize the application of Toxorhynchites in mosquito control programs., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Punya Ram Sukupayo et al.)

Background and Aims: With existing undernutrition in the developing world, the prevalence of obesity is increasing rapidly. Some studies reported an association of intestinal parasitic infection (IPIs) with undernutrition while few recent studies reported an inverse association of IPIs with overweight and obesity. This study evaluated the comparative risk and associated factors of IPIs among under (body mass index [BMI] < 18.5), normal (BMI: 18.5-24.9) and overweight (BMI > 24.9) school-aged adolescents., Methods: A total of 105 fecal samples were collected, with 35 samples from each group. The collected samples were tested for the presence of intestinal parasites via concentration method, and the parasites were identified morphologically., Results: Overall prevalence of IPIs was 5.71% with 3 protozoa viz Giardia lamblia (2.86%), Entamoeba histolytica (1.90%) and Endolimax nana (0.95%). Univariate and multivariable regression analysis indicated none of the nutritional, socioeconomic status, demographic, lifestyle and behavioral characteristics were significantly associated with the prevalence of overall IPIs. Yet, significant numbers of male reported undernutrition and elevated risk of IPIs in this study population., Conclusion: Despite low prevalence of IPIs in this study, risk of IPIs is attributable to individual differences in behavior like "not using soap for hand washing". Relatively elevated malnutrition with risky hygiene behaviors, male adolescents appeared as risky cluster of school age population., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest regarding the publication of this article. All authors have read and approved the final version of the manuscript (corresponding author: RPP) had full access to all of the data in this study and takes complete responsibility for the integrity of the data and the accuracy of the data analysis. The manuscript guarantor (RPP) affirms that this manuscript is an honest, accurate, and transparent account of the study being reported; that no important aspects of the study have been omitted; and that any discrepancies from the study as planned have been explained., (© 2024 The Author(s). Health Science Reports published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites in goats of Suryabinayak Municipality, Bhaktapur, Nepal. A total of 300 faecal samples of goats were collected from the study area from July to August 2021 and subjected to direct smear, sedimentation, and flotation techniques for coprological examination. The study revealed that 86% of samples were positive for GI parasites with 15 genera, including six genera of protozoan, and nine genera of helminths. Age-dependent prevalence of helminth parasites was higher in adult goats (75%) than that young ones. Single infection was recorded 31.01%, double was 35.27%, and multiple was 33.72%. Training on goat rearing, proper management of goat farms, awareness on GI diseases, and their control can help the owners increase productivity.

The objective of the current study was to extract 2-(benzhydryl sulfinyl)-N-sec-butylacetamide), a novel compound from fig, and then determine its role in enhancing trastuzumab-triggered phagocytic killing of SKOV-3 cancer cells. In this study, Soxhlet was used to extract the compound from the mature and air-dried fig fruits. The production of the isolated extracts was enhanced by using polar and non-polar solvents. Several solvents, such as methanol, ethyl acetate, chloroform, and n-hexane, were used to isolate the effective compound 2-(benzhydryl sulfinyl)-N-sec-butylacetamide) from the organic layer. UV-spectroscopy, FT-IR, 1 H-NMR, and 13 C-NMR were applied to identify the purified compound. The in vitro and in vivo assays demonstrated that the 2-(benzhydryl sulfinyl)-N-sec-butylacetamide) can increase the activity of the phagocytic cells, via the interaction with FcY receptors, along with trastuzumab, and the pathway can use a model for the therapeutic strategy for effective treatment of ovarian cancer cells.

Background: The presence of intestinal parasites influences the growth and well-being of canids. Additionally, infected dogs and their faeces with considerably higher eggs/oocysts released per gram (epg/opg) of zoonotic parasites contribute to parasitic spillover to humans, domestic animals and sympatric wildlife., Objectives: The current study aimed to reveal the prevalence of intestinal parasites (protozoa and helminths) and to list the zoonotically significant parasites in free-roaming street dogs in Lalitpur Metropolitan City, Nepal., Methods: Fresh faecal samples (n = 332) were collected from feral dogs of varying ages and sexes and transported to the research laboratory. The copro microscopic examination was carried out via direct wet mount, formalin ethyl acetate sedimentation, saturated salt flotation, acid-fast staining and sporulation techniques., Results: Coproscopy revealed an overall 95.7% (318/332) prevalence rate with 23 diverse species of intestinal parasites (10 protozoa and 13 helminths). Among them, 5 protozoa and 11 helminths possessed zoonotic potential, and their overall prevalence was 92.5%. Helminth's overall prevalence was double that of the protozoa (87.7% vs. 43%). Polyparasitism was dominant over mono parasitism (79.5% vs. 16.3%), and co-infection of up to seven species of parasites at a time was recorded., Conclusions: Urban street dogs harboured a higher prevalence of intestinal parasites that varied with age and sex. Since most of the reported parasites are zoonotic, dog density and parasitic richness indicate a greater spillover risk to humans and domestic animals. Furthermore, this study also provides appropriate 'baseline' data for assessing effective control measures against parasitic infestations among street dogs and controlling their transmission to humans., (© 2023 The Authors. Veterinary Medicine and Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Introduction: Cats (Felis catus) are the only felines that live in close contact with humans. Since cats can act as vectors, carriers, reservoirs and definitive hosts of many gastrointestinal (GI) parasites, parasitic assessment could contribute to their survival and well-being., Aims: The current study aimed to assess the diversity and prevalence of GI parasites in domestic and feral cats from Ratnanagar in Chitwan in Central Nepal., Methods: A total of 107 fresh faecal samples of cats (90 household cats and 17 feral cats) of varied ages and sex were collected and transported to the laboratory. The copromicroscopic examination was carried out following direct wet mount, formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation, saturated salt flotation, acid-fast staining and sporulation techniques. Furthermore, associated risk factors were evaluated to ascertain the predictor of risks for parasitic acquisition., Results: The current study revealed an overall 95.3% prevalence rate with a 100% rate in feral cats and 94.4% in household cats. Altogether, 18 (17 known and one unknown) different species of GI parasites were reported with the helminths (95.3%; 11 species) and the protozoa (55.1%; seven species). Besides age and sex, outdoor lifestyle, absence or unknown history of medication and hunting behaviour of the felines are the predictors of risk. Furthermore, mixed infection was comparatively higher than single infection in the faecal samples., Conclusions: Cats harbour a higher prevalence and greater diversity of GI parasites, and parasitism varies with age and sex. This finding can be essential for veterinarians and public health authorities for strategic treatment and for assessing the zoonotic transmission of the parasites from these felines. Importantly, an effective medication strategy for cats and owners is recommended., (© 2022 The Authors. Veterinary Medicine and Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: Intestinal infection, caused by various protozoans and helminths, represents one of the significant health concerns in pigeons around the world., Objectives: The present study aimed to determine the diversity and prevalence of the intestinal parasites in pigeons found in Ratnanagar Municipality, Chitwan, in central Nepal., Methods: The fresh faecal samples (n = 155) were non-invasively collected from different households and temples pigeons The individual samples were immediately preserved in the 2.5% potassium dichromate solution and transported to the research laboratory. Following direct wet mount and concentration methods, the samples were observed under a compound microscope., Results: The results showed 87.1% prevalence rate with 16 parasite species that included 8 protozoan and 8 helminth faunae. The faecal samples of temple pigeons contained a higher prevalence rate with higher parasitic richness (95.6%; 16 species) than household pigeons (75.4%; 12 species). Mixed infection up to four different species was recorded in both types of sampling populations., Conclusions: Pigeons harbour a greater prevalence and wider diversity of intestinal parasites and the parasitism varies based on the habitats. Proper management and effective deworming practices are recommended to control intestinal parasitic infection in these avian hosts., (© 2022 The Authors. Veterinary Medicine and Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Rabies is a vaccine-preventable fatal viral disease that is zoonotic in nature. In this article, we provide a justification why the agreement of the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), and Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC) on The Global Strategic Plan to End Human Deaths from Dog-mediated Rabies by 2030 should also include a more holistic approach and ecologic views., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Krishna Prasad Acharya et al.)

Background: The Asiatic wild water buffalo (Bubalus arnee) is an endangered species that is conserved in the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve (KTWR), Nepal, and was recently translocated to the Chitwan National Park (CNP). Gastrointestinal (GI) parasites are the cause of significant negative health and production impacts on animals worldwide., Methods: A coprological survey of GI parasites of wild water buffalo was carried out in the CNP in 2020. Fresh dung samples (n = 25) were collected from wild water buffaloes and analysed using sedimentation and flotation techniques for morphological identification of parasite cysts, oocysts and eggs., Results: Nine different GI parasites were recorded of which Entamoeba spp. (20 samples, 80%) were the most common. The presence of Entamoeba spp. was further validated using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis and DNA sequencing. The PCR results were positive for all of the microscopically positive samples, and the species was identified as Entamoeba bovis. Three samples were sequenced and formed a cluster of E. bovis, which was separated from other Entamoeba spp. in phylogenetic analysis., Conclusion: This is the first report for molecular detection of E. bovis from wild water buffaloes in Nepal. Future work should focus on the prevalence of such infections in water buffaloes in forest environments., (© 2021 The Authors. Veterinary Medicine and Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Buffaloes are one of the most popular domestic ruminants, reared globally for milk and meat. Gastrointestinal (GI) parasitism in these hosts possesses a critical warning factor that severely limits the growth, reproductive performance, and milk production. Thus, the current study aimed to assess the prevalence and diversity of GI parasites in buffaloes in Ratnanagar Chitwan in central Nepal. The fresh faecal samples (n=300) of buffaloes (150 from captive and 150 from semi-captive) were collected and immediately preserved in 2.5% potassium dichromate solution. These samples were processed via direct wet mount, sedimentation, and floatation techniques and examined under a compound microscope at 100×, 400×, and 1000× magnifications. The results showed an overall 90% prevalence of parasites (80% in captive with 22 species and 100% in semi-captive buffaloes with 30 species). Entamoeba and Balantidium coli were the most prevalent parasites among the captives, whereas Entamoeba and Fasciola were dominant in semi-captive populations. In conclusions, buffaloes under semi-captive domestication harbor the higher prevalence and greater diversity of GI parasites. GI parasitism in buffaloes varies with captivity and age. Furthermore, awareness programs to the local farmers for healthy husbandry practices and therapeutic and preventive strategies should be conducted to reduce the parasitic loads and cross-transmission of potential parasites from different environments.

Ticks are very harmful blood sucking protozoan- and rickettsial disease-causing arthropods in livestock and cause an adverse economy of the world, including tropical regions like Nepal. Thus, the current study was conducted to determine the distribution, prevalence, and the effects of ticks in the goat of the Rapti Municipality, Chitwan, Nepal. Ticks were picked from different body parts of goats (n=473) and identified to species level by using morphological identification keys under a microscope. The study revealed that 161 (34%) of goats were infested and females had highest prevalence of ticks compared to males (41% vs 28%). A total of 14 species of ticks of genera Haemaphysalis, Amblyomma, Rhipicephalus, Ixodes and Dermacentor were identified. All tick-positive goats were suffered from inflamed wounds with various skin manifestations. In conclusion, this study suggested that appropriate control measures for ticks need to be employed in the study area for economic goat production.

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 < .05) among growers (46.7%) and adults (30%), respectively., Conclusions: The indigenous pigs harbour a higher prevalence and greater diversity of GI parasites. GI parasitism varies by sex and age of the pigs., (© 2021 The Authors Veterinary Medicine and Science Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Gastrointestinal (GI) infection is predominant globally, especially in people with low socio-economic status with existing illiteracy, ignorance, poor housing and lifestyle, and the surrounding environment. It has been implicated as a significant public health concern in the rural parts of many developing countries like Nepal. This study aimed to determine the diversity and prevalence of GI parasites in the highly marginalized indigenous Chepang communities in central Nepal. One hundred fresh stool samples of Chepangs were collected and preserved in 2.5% potassium dichromate solution. The samples were analyzed by direct wet mount, sedimentation, flotation, and acid-fast techniques and examined under the microscope at the total magnifications of 100Å~, 400Å~, and 1000Å~. We detected 97% prevalence rates with eight protozoan and six helminth parasites. Considering the infection’s concurrency, mixed pattern of infection was found to be higher than single pattern. Mixed infections from two to seven parasitic species were differently recorded in different samples. We also found that people’s eating habits were associated with GI parasitism (p=0.0034). “One Health” Approach/Principle accompanied by the detailed molecular and epidemiologic studies of parasitic transmission is required to identify the causal evidence critical in controlling and preventing parasitic infections.

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., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2020 Roshan Babu Adhikari et al.)

Gastrointestinal (GI) parasites in goats are predominant around the world. They may be the underlying cause of the pathological and immunological consequences leading to significant economic losses of the goat industry. The main aim of the current research was to reveal the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites, including protozoa, trematodes, and nematodes in the fecal samples of goats in the goat market in Kathmandu, Nepal. A total of 400 goat fecal specimens were purposively collected from the goat market, and they were processed by direct wet mount, sedimentation, floatation techniques, and acid-fast staining, and were observed under the compound microscope. Out of a total 400 fecal samples, 349 (87.25%) were found to be infected with GI parasites among which Eimeria (80.75%), Strongyle (59.25%), Trichuris (29.75%), Strongyloides (28.75%), Moniezia (21.75%), Entamoeba (20%), Fasciola (10.25%), Balantidium (7.75%), Cryptosporidium (4%), Capillaria (1.75%), Trichomonas (1.25%), Ascaris (1.0%), Cyclospora (1%), Blastocystis (0.75%), Giardia (0.5%), and Paramphistomum (0.5%) were reported. GI parasites like protozoa and helminthes were widely distributed in the goats brought for the meat purposes in Kathmandu Valley, showing a high proportion of the goats were having higher risks of morbidity and mortality around the country., Competing Interests: Conflict of interestThe authors declare that they have no conflict of interest. The work is a part of the research proposal of Red Book (075/076, Planning Division, NAST)., (© Indian Society for Parasitology 2019.)

Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the awareness of biomedical waste management in dental students of various dental colleges of Nepal., Methodology: A structured pretested questionnaire was used among 434 (323 males and 111 females) undergraduate dental students of five different dental colleges of Nepal. First part of the questionnaire was used to describe demographic profile of the participants. Second part of the questionnaire assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding biomedical waste management. Chi-square test was applied to find out the association between different responses obtained from different colleges., Result: Majority (91.82%) of participants had a positive attitude towards safe management of biomedical waste. Regarding the knowledge of BMW management policies, majority of the students (83.1% to 98.9%) had positive attitude towards the safe management of biomedical waste, whereas more than 50% of the students were unaware of the guidelines laid down by Government of Nepal. Regarding biomedical waste disposal technique in the hospital, only 29.9% to 79.8% are aware; this shows that there is lack of strict protocol in the BMW management. Association between different responses and colleges for "improper waste management causes various health hazards" ranged from 93.3% to 98.9%., Conclusion: There exists a lacuna in the knowledge and practice of biomedical waste management among the undergraduate dental students in Nepal. Since the students had positive attitude towards addressing this concern, workshops and trainings related to proper biomedical waste management would be a step forward towards attaining a healthy environment for the future.

Adjuvants such as the aluminum compounds (alum) have been dominantly used in many vaccines due to their immunopotentiation and safety records since 1920s. However, how these mineral agents influence the immune response to vaccination remains elusive. Many hypotheses exist as to the mode of action of these adjuvants, such as depot formation, antigen (Ag) targeting, and the induction of inflammation. These hypotheses are based on many in vitro and few in vivo studies. Understanding how cells interact with adjuvants in vivo will be crucial to fully understanding the mechanisms of action of these adjuvants. Interestingly, how alum influences the target cell at both the cellular and molecular level, and the consequent innate and adaptive responses, will be critical in the rational design of effective vaccines against many diseases. Thus, in this review, mechanisms of action of alum have been discussed based on available in vitro vs in vivo evidences to date.

Aluminium adjuvants (alum) have been the only widely approved adjuvants for use in human vaccines since the 1920s, however, the mechanism of action of these adjuvants remains elusive. Due to increasing demand for novel adjuvants, a clearer understanding of the mechanisms that allow these important agents to affect adaptive immune responses will make a significant contribution to the rational design of future vaccines. Using a novel approach to tracking antigen and antigen presentation, we demonstrate that alum induces higher antigen accumulation and increased antigen presentation by dendritic cells (DCs) in vitro. Antigen accumulation was 100-fold higher and antigen presentation 10-fold higher following alum treatment when compared with soluble protein alone. We also observed that alum causes an initial reduction in presentation compared with soluble antigen, but eventually increases the magnitude and duration of antigen presentation. This was associated with reduced protein degradation in DCs following alum treatment. These studies demonstrate the dynamic alterations in antigen processing and presentation induced by alum that underlie enhanced DC function in response to this adjuvant., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)