Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern of Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Pus/Wound Swab from Children Attending International Friendship Children's Hospital

A wound gets infected when the organism gets invaded through the breached skin, proliferated and production of various enzymes, toxins, etc. In order to treat the wound infection, antibiotic susceptibility pattern of organism should be determined before the prescription of the medicine. The present study was conducted from September 2017 to March 2018 with an aim to determine antibiotic susceptibility pattern of Staphylococcus aureus identified from the pus/wound swab among the patients visiting the International Friendship Children's Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal. Total 270 sample were processed, isolated and identified using standard microbiological procedure and biochemical test. Antibiotic susceptibility test was carried out by using Modified Kirby Bauer's Disc Diffusion Method. Out of total sample, 51.48% (139) showed growth. The growth distribution was found to be high in out-patient department 84.9% (118) than in-patient department 15.1% (21). Among 139 positive growth, 83.5% were gram positive and 16.5% were gram negative. All together 12 different organisms were identified, among which S. aureus was found to be predominant organism 105 (75.5%). S. aureus was found to be sensitive towards Linezolid followed by Doxycycline whereas it was found resistant towards Ciprofloxacin. Among S. aureus identified, 50% were Multidrug resistant (MDR) S. aureus and 55% were Methicillin resistance S. aureus (MRSA). MRSA was found to be sensitive towards Linezolid followed by Doxycycline and resistant towards Ciprofloxacin. The association between MDR and MRSA was found positively significant (i.e. p-value = 0.000). All strains of S. aureus were found to be sensitive towards Vancomycin. 22.86% were double disk diffusion test (D-test) positive. The prevalence of D-test was found to be high in MRSA (75%). The relationship between D-test and MRSA was found to be significantly correlated with each other (r = 0.39). Linezolid, Chloramphenicol, Vancomycin and Doxycycline is a drug of a choice for both S. aureus and MRSA infection.

Antibiogram and Phytochemical Analysis of Cinnamon, Clove, and Sichuan Pepper Extracts

A wide range of medicinal plant extracts has phytochemicals that possess antimicrobial properties and these plants are used to treat several infections. The study aimed to assess the antimicrobial activities of some spices extracts and to evaluate the phytochemicals present in them. The extracts of spices were prepared using Soxhlet apparatus refluxing with methanol and ethanol. The well diffusion technique was implemented for the evaluation of antimicrobial activities of the extracts and the zone of inhibitions was recorded in millimeters. The antimicrobial test was done against five bacterial isolates: Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi, and Staphylococcus aureus and a fungal isolate: Candida albicans. The extracts were concentrated by Rotary Vacuum Evaporator and a stock solution of 200 mg/mL was prepared by dissolving in 10 % DMSO. Concentrations of 40, 60, 80 and 100 mg/mL extracts were used for antimicrobial activity. The result of this study showed that clove extracts had the highest antimicrobial property against all the test microorganisms. Methanolic extract of clove had the highest inhibitory effect against Proteus mirabilis (24.21±0.15 mm), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (19.78±0.23 mm), and Candida albicans (20.07±0.08 mm) whereas ethanolic extract was effective against Escherichia coli (20.44±0.16 mm), Salmonella Typhi (21.66±0.31 mm) and Candida albicans (21.11±0.09 mm). Cinnamon and pepper extracts, leaving some exceptions, also had antimicrobial properties. The presence of phytochemicals: polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins are the major components responsible for antimicrobial activity. Thereby, this study successfully demonstrated the possibilities of using spices extracts in the treatment of microbial infections.

Assessment of phytochemicals, antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxicity activity of methanolic extract of Tinospora cordifolia (Gurjo)

Traditionally used medicinal plants are the major resources of biologically active metabolites which are widely used for the cure of numerous diseases especially in developing countries where health facilities are rare. Many plants are in use for centuries but there is not enough scientific evidence and exploration. This research is focused on phytochemicals, antibacterial, antioxidant and cytotoxicity activity analysis of one of the most commonly used ethnomedicine Tinospora cordifolia collected from the Kavrepalanchok district of Nepal. Phytochemicals analysis of methanol extract of T. cordifolia showed the presence of alkaloids, coumarin saponins, glycosides, reducing sugar, and triterpenes. Antibacterial activity performed by disc diffusion method exhibited the highest activity against Streptococcus with a zone of inhibition are 10.3mm, 8.5mm, 6.5mm, and 6mm at 200mg/ml, 100mg/ml, 50mg/ml, and 25mg/ml of concentration respectively. DPPH radical scavenging activity increased with increasing concentration of extract. When compared with ascorbic acid at equivalent concentration, the extract shows a lower scavenging profile (56.07% for the extract and 98.01% for ascorbic acid at 320 ppm). Cytotoxicity was evaluated in terms of LC50 (lethality concentration). The result showed that the extract of T. cordifolia was found to be toxic with an LC50 value of 232.64μg/ml. The bioactive component present in the plants could be the result of its pharmacological effects that support the traditional use of plants.

Evaluation of Phytochemical, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities of Selected Medicinal Plants

Medicinal plants are important reservoirs of bioactive compounds that need to be explored systematically. Because of their chemical diversity, natural products provide limitless possibilities for new drug discovery. This study aimed to investigate the biochemical properties of crude extracts from fifteen Nepalese medicinal plants. The total phenolic contents (TPC), total flavonoid contents (TFC), and antioxidant activity were evaluated through a colorimetric approach while the antibacterial activities were studied through the measurement of the zone of inhibition (ZoI) by agar well diffusion method along with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) by broth dilution method. The methanolic extracts of Acacia catechu and Eupoterium adenophorum showed the highest TPC (55.21 ± 11.09 mg GAE/gm) and TFC (10.23 ± 1.07 mg QE/gm) among the studied plant extracts. Acacia catechu showed effective antioxidant properties with an IC50 value of 1.3 μg/mL, followed by extracts of Myrica esculenta, Syzygium cumini, and Mangifera indica. Morus australis exhibited antibacterial activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae (ZoI: 25mm, MIC: 0.012 mg/mL), Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 (ZoI: 22 mm, MIC: 0.012 mg/mL), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ZoI; 20 mm, MIC: 0.05 mg/mL), and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) (ZoI: 19 mm, MIC: 0.19 mg/mL). Morus australis extract showed a broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, followed by Eclipta prostrata, and Hypericum cordifolium. Future study is recommended to explore secondary metabolites of those medicinal plants to uncover further clinical efficacy.

Screening of Potential Plant Growth Promoting Properties of Bacillus Species Isolated from Different Regions of Nepal

The deleterious effects of intensive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture has led to the substantial research efforts on finding the alternatives to these agrochemicals. This study was aimed to isolate Bacillus species from soil of different regions of Nepal and screen for their ability to promote plant growth directly or indirectly by testing their ability to produce plant growth hormone indole acetic acid, hydrogen cyanide, ammonia and protease as well as phosphate solubilization. Thirty nine Bacillus strains were isolated from 25 soil samples of different regions of Kathmandu and Chitwan districts of Nepal. These isolates were tested for plant growth promoting traits in vitro. Among the total isolates, about 48.7% were indole acetic acid producers, 38.4% of the isolates showed the ability to solubilize the phosphate, 71.8% were able to produce ammonia and all the isolates had the ability to produce hydrogen cyanide and protease. The isolated strains showed positive results to maximum PGPR traits and exhibited a potential to be used as alternatives to chemical fertilizers and pesticides and could be used as low-cost bio-based technology to promote plant growth in the agricultural sector.

Avian/Bird flu: A review: H5N1 outbreaks in Nepal

Avian/Bird flu is a viral disease of birds, caused by avian influenza virus (AIV). A highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 has breached the barrier of species to humans and other animals escalating the pandemic threat. If the H5N1 evolves to a human-to-human transmissible virus retaining its pathogenicity, it can trigger an influenza pandemic. H5N1 has a mortality rate of about 60%, varying with strains. Meaningful antigenic alteration in hemagglutinin (HA) and/or neuraminidase (NA) results in recurring pandemics. The HPAI H5N1 subtype alone has outreached more than 77 nations around the world since the first human case and death was reported in 1997. Wild and migratory birds are the AIV reservoirs. Poultry is primarily impacted by incidents and outbreaks of the disease. A wide range of serological and molecular methods have substantially aided in the identification of bird flu in humans. Candidate vaccines have been developed, yet are not ready for widespread use. Oseltamivir (brand name: Tamiflu) is the preferred drug for the management of human Influenza-like illness (ILI). Surveillance, mass awareness, and pandemic preparedness abiding WHO recommendations are of paramount importance for the prevention of bird flu outbreaks.

Intellectual Property Right on Basmati Rice: Current Scenario and Evidences of Origin, Diversity, Cultivation and Use Values of Basmati Rice in Nepal

Basmati rice, also called the king/prince of rice landraces has very special values in Nepalese society as well as in other countries of Indian Subcontinent. With the objectives of collecting, analyzing and documenting Basmati related information in Nepal, we visited different sites; carried out key informant surveys; organized focus group discussions, online interaction and discussion meetings; requested all relevant offices/ persons/ stakeholders through phone, website, and letter to share information; organized high level official meeting, and Basmati rice expert meeting; documented video documentary and did online as well as library search. Because of its high market value at global level, many countries and organizations have been attempting to get intellectual property rights (mainly patent and geographical indication tag) on Basmati rice. India applied for GI tag to Basmati rice in the European Union (EU) in July 2018, and Nepal submitted opposition letter along with proofs and evidences of origin, diversity, cultivation and use values of Basmati rice on 9 December 2020. A total 133 Basmati type rice landraces are grown in 60 districts of Nepal. Basmati rice is traditionally grown, sold, and consumed in geographically localized areas of Nepal since ancient time. International and national scientists have defined lower altitude of Nepal as one of the centers of origin of Basmati rice. Many Nepalese basmati rice landraces have been characterized and evaluated using morphological traits, isozymes and DNA markers. Four basmati type of rice landraces have been registered in National Seed Board. Many community seed banks have maintained different types of Basmati rice landraces. National Agriculture Genetic Resources Center and International genebanks have collected more than 80 and conserved 68 basmati landraces. Basmati rice landraces have geo-linked traits. The historical culture of production, consumption and marketing of native basmati rice in Nepal should always be favored by both national and international rules and regulations. Nepal has ample and valid evidences to get geographical indication (GI) right on Basmati rice.

Advances in Agricultural Biotechnology

Agricultural biotechnology is becoming the major sector in crop improvement through the use of scientific techniques for the modification of genes conferring resistance to biotic, abiotic stress and improving the quality of crops. With the evolvement from Mendelian genetics to molecular biotechnology, there have been several developments in the field of crop improvement. Recent biotechnological advances have aimed towards removing the physiological constraints of the crops and increasing crop yield potential. With the use of different tools of agricultural biotechnologies like genetic engineering, tissue culture, embryo rescue, somatic hybridization, molecular marker-assisted selection, genome doubling, and omics technologies, various transgenic crops have been developed over the decades and have been approved for commercialization. This development and adoption of transgenic technology have been shown to increase crop yields, reduce CO2 emission, reduce pesticide and insecticide use and decrease the costs of crop production. Even though the biotechnological approach and transgenic organisms have immense potential to contribute to the world’s food security, several concerns of genetically modified crops being a threat to the environment and human health have developed. This review will address applications and concerns of biotechnology in crop improvement considering health hazards and ecological risks.

Plant and Plant Associated Microflora: Potential Bioremediation Option of Indoor Air Pollutants

Indoor air pollution is a significant problem today because the release of various contaminants into the indoor air has created a major health threat for humans occupying indoors. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are pollutants released into the environment and persist in the atmosphere due to its low boiling point values. Various types of indoor activities, sources, and exposure to outdoor environments enhance indoor VOCs. This poor indoor air quality leads to adverse negative impacts on the people in the indoor environment. Many physical and chemical methods have been developed to remove or decompose these compounds from indoors. However, those methods are interrupted by many environmental and other factors in the indoor atmosphere, thus limit the applications. Therefore, there is a global need to develop an effective, promising, economical, and environmentally friendly alternatives to the problem. The use of the plant and associated microflora significantly impact reducing the environmental VOC gases, inorganic gases, particulate matter, and other pollutants contained in the air. Placing potted plants in indoor environments not only helps to remove indoor air pollutants but also to boost the mood, productivity, concentration, and creativity of the occupants and reduces stress, fatigue, sore throat, and cold. Plants normally uptake air pollutants through the roots and leaves, then metabolize, sequestrate, and excrete them. Plant-associated microorganisms help to degrade, detoxify, or sequestrate the pollutants, the air remediation, and promote plant growth. Further studies on the plant varieties and microorganisms help develop eco-friendly and environmentally friendly indoor air purifying sources.

Comparative Study of Nutritional Profile of Rice Varieties in Nepal

The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the nutritional quality of different rice varieties (Taichung-176, Khumal-4 rice, and Black rice) with Jumli Marsi rice. The highest nutritional factors and phytochemical components were found in the Marsi rice (RR) and Black rice (BR). The highest amount of antioxidant property and phenolic content was found in Black rice which was 61.58 ± 0.02% and 22.75 ± 0.02GAE/100g respectively. The reducing sugar was found to be highest in the TR rice variety, which was 2.74±0.01%. The results also highlight the cooking and physicochemical properties of rice depending on the amylose content of rice varieties. The qualitative analysis of the phytochemical content in different rice varieties showed the presence of tannin, flavonoid, alkaloid, and terpenoid in Marsi and BR. While anthraquinone and saponin were negative for all the rice varieties, protein and glycoside were found to be present in all the rice varieties. Also, the pigmented rice varieties were found to have high nutritional components compared to the non-pigmented rice varieties. All the data observed in the study was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05).